The Los Angeles Dodgers went into the All-Star break on a four-game winning streak and 15-2 in their last 17 games. That torrid stretch of play allowed them to open a 10-game lead over the San Diego Padres for first place in the National League West standings.
Furthermore, L.A. is a season-best 30 games above .500 at 60-30 and are ahead of last year’s pace when they tied with a franchise-record with 106 wins.
Although the time off is a rare chance for a stretch of rest during a long season, some worry the All-Star break can interrupt a player’s or team’s momentum. But Justin Turner, who despite not getting named to the 2022 MLB All-Star Game, was part of several events, is not concerned about the Dodgers.
During the latest “Holding Kourt Podcast” episode, Turner expressed confidence the Dodgers won’t miss a beat when they resume the second half of their 2022 schedule on Thursday night:
“Even though we were playing incredible baseball, I don’t think we’re going to miss a beat. We’re going to come back out in the second half rejuvenated, well-rested, and hungry for more.”
Fortunately for the six Dodgers All-Stars, the schedule resumes with a seven-game homestand consisting of series with the San Francisco Giants and Washington Nationals.
For Turner, he seemingly has been able to take advantage of the off days after co-hosting a Justin Turner Foundation celebrity bingo event with wife Kourtney Turner at MLB’s All-Star Oceanfront in Santa Monica on Sunday morning.
Like the Dodgers, Turner hit his stride over the past couple weeks and heads into the second half batting .368/.448/.563 with five doubles, four home runs and 19 RBI over his last 25 games. He additionally is in the midst of a 16-game on-base streak.
Justin Turner wins MLB Play of the Week
Although Clayton Kershaw ultimately fell short of a first career perfect game, his effort was aided by multiple defensive plays against the Los Angeles Angels.
Among them was Turner making a diving stop on a ball hit to his right in the fourth inning. Turner received MLB’s Electric Play of the Week Award for the impressive highlight.
“That was crazy how far he went to get that ball and the dive and the throw and everything involved,” Kershaw said after the Dodgers’ 9-1 win. “So I was impressed. I was just checking to make sure he’s OK because he hit the ground hard on that one. It was awesome.”
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