Los Angeles Dodgers lose Justin Turner to injury, is it time to panic?
Justin Turner will miss significant playing time after breaking his wrist in a Spring training game. Is it time for the Los Angeles Dodgers to panic?
The Los Angeles Dodgers will be without their best-overall hitter beginning their National League pennant defense after Justin Turner broke his wrist in Spring training action Monday against the Oakland Athletics.
In the first inning, Kendall Graveman let a pitch get away from him; clipping Justin Turner on his left wrist. It’s evident from Turner’s initial reaction that this injury’s really bad, and it is.
Here’s Justin Turner getting hit in the hand during tonight’s game. Looked like he was in a lot of pain after. Not good... #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/6Sia0dQaYV
— Sully Engels (@sullyengels) March 20, 2018
According to reports from the Associated Press, Turner’s projected return will be late May to early June — which does not bode well for the Dodgers.
Justin Turner expected to be out 6-10 weeks. #Dodgers just lost their best hitter
— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) March 20, 2018
Cleary the best hitter in the Dodgers’ lineup and solid at the hot-corner, what will they do in Turner’s absence? Last season in 131 games, Turner slashed .322/.415..530 with 21 home runs, 71 RBI, and 72 runs scored.
Dodgers’ GM Farhan Zaidi did not sugarcoat the situation when he talked with Michael J. Duarte following the news of this terrible blow.
"“We are not as good of a team without JT, there’s not doubt about that… The rest of the guys are going to have to do even more for us to play at the same level.”"
#Dodgers GM Farhan Zaidi on Justin Turner’s injury and what the FO might do now that their without their starting 3B #DodgersST pic.twitter.com/QJy07633iq
— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) March 20, 2018
Speaking of those who need to step up, the options to fill this gaping hole left by Turner falls to:
Justin Turner’s broken wrist really shakes up the Dodgers. Versatility comes into play. Could mean Forsythe at third, more of Hernandez, Taylor or even Barnes at second, more of Toles or Pederson in center instead of left …
— Jon Weisman (@jonweisman) March 20, 2018
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Logan Forsythe: Career slash line of .250 .330/.385. His best season (and only full season of playing time) was 2016 with the Tampa Bay Rays: .275/.339/.493 with 20 home runs. If the Dodgers see anywhere near that production during the 6-10 week absence of Turner, they’ll be in decent shape.
With the Dodgers playing in a loaded NL West, no doubt the rest of the division smells blood in the water — especially the Arizona Diamondbacks. Last season, the Dodgers were able to maintain their place in the standings after Turner missed about over 20 games in 2017, mainly due to a hamstring injury.
However, starting off the slate without their top overall bat and clubhouse leader will be a tough pill to swallow. It’s likely the Dodgers will fall behind both the Rockies and the Giants due to Turner’s absence, where they’ll have to play catchup the rest of the way.
@redturn2 My 2 year old was very concerned about your injury before bed time. Hope to see you back on the field sooner rather than later. pic.twitter.com/78wjt9N5rg
— AGR (@agr_dodgers22) March 20, 2018
After a rough day, Turner received a pick-me-up for a young Dodgers fan, which put a smile on the injured All-Star’s face.
Class act, Mr. Turner. Class act.
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Is it time for the Los Angeles Dodgers and their fans to panic? Not quite yet, but you better have help on speed dial just in case.