Justin Turner is back as he homered in his first at-bat in his return to third base for the Los Angeles Dodgers during Sunday’s game against the New York Mets. Turner made an appearance in the tenth inning of Saturday’s game as well. He struck out in his only appearance, but it was a great sight to see for Dodgers fans nonetheless. Justin did not require a stint on the IL but had not played in a game since August 8th. Turner left that game in the second inning with left groin discomfort. The game was against the rival Los Angeles Angels.
Chris Taylor has generally been filling in at the hot corner for Turner. This brought Taylor back into the infield, where he had been filling in for Corey Seager when he was on the IL earlier in the season. With Mookie Betts back on the IL with right hip inflammation, the Dodgers need Taylor in the outfield. The only other options in the outfield on the major league roster for the Dodgers are Billy McKinney and Matt Beaty. McKinney has not had any power for the Dodgers, although he did hit a triple that was misplayed by right fielder Michael Conforto – to the point where it actually hit his glove. Beaty is generally a solid backup but has not been as good during this season as he has been in previous seasons.
Turner Successful in Return to Third Base
Now that Justin Turner is back and healthy, Chris Taylor can shift back into the outfield. This allows the Dodgers to have an outfield of Cody Bellinger, AJ Pollock, and Taylor. Bellinger has been coming alive in recent games and Pollock and Taylor have put up great offensive numbers this season. When Mookie Betts returns healthy, the Dodgers will be able to make a run at another NL West title.
In Justin Turner’s return as the starting third baseman, he went 2-for-4 with a home run, two RBI, two walks, and scored a run. The Dodgers are surely happy to have their All-Star back at the hot corner.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
Players Mentioned:
Justin Turner, Chris Taylor, Corey Seager, Mookie Betts, Billy McKinney, Matt Beaty, Michael Conforto, Cody Bellinger, AJ Pollock
