Although the Los Angeles Dodgers earned a thrilling walk-off win against the New York Mets earlier this week, it came at the expense of Justin Turner as he experienced tightness in his right hamstring.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts considered removing Turner after seven innings, but left him in the game, and it paid off as he later doubled and scored the tying run. But Turner’s trip around the bases was met by hamstring trouble that’s now kept him out of the lineup three consecutive games.
Roberts initially indicated Turner was likely to return for the series opener with the Philadelphia Phillies, and described the hamstring issue as “benign.”
Although Turner is missing another game Saturday, he may return for the series finale with the Phillies or when the Dodgers begin a road trip against the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
#Dodgers Dave Roberts said Justin Turner could be back in the lineup Sunday. If not Sunday then Monday
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) June 1, 2019
Like Roberts, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman dismissed any serious concern over the injury. Friedman noted the Dodgers’ depth and versatility as allowing the club to cautiously handle their All-Star third baseman.
With Matt Beaty assuming a larger-than-expected role, it’s allowed the Dodgers the start him at first base and move Max Muncy to the opposite corner to fill in.
Turner was said to be available to pinch-hit when the Dodgers began the concluded their series with the Mets, though he was not used, nor did he ever appear in the on-deck circle during the 2-0 win. Turner also wasn’t called on Friday, and wound up receiving a third full game off as he was not used in the walk-off win against the Phillies.
