Call to the pen
Fansided

Los Angeles Dodgers: Alternatives for Justin Turner

By Ryota Nishino

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 27: Justin Turner of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after flying out. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 27: Justin Turner of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after flying out. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Edwin Rios of the Dodgers fields a ground ball.
(Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

The 26-year-old Puerto Rican, Edwin Rios, could fill Turner’s void

Edwin Rios has played just 60 games in two seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers and has shown great promise. In the 2020 regular season, Rios finished with a .250 batting average, eight home runs, and 17 RBIs.

The young power hitter has failed to see consistent playing time because the Dodgers have so many talented players in front of Rios. If the Dodgers decide to move on from Justin Turner, Rios could slot right into the starting lineup.

Max Muncy has played most of his game at first base, so Dave Roberts might be more comfortable keeping Muncy at first and let Rios play third (to counter my first alternative). Cody Bellinger has looked good in the outfield so there is also no reason to bring him back into the infield and move Muncy around.

Edwin Rios is not the most sure-handed third baseman especially compared to Justin Turner, but Rios has plenty of growth potential as a 26-year-old. He is surrounded by a great coaching staff and teammates that could help him excel at third base. And to remind you, Rios has only played in 60 games, so he has a long career ahead of him

I would not be surprised if Rios takes over the third base position in 2021. Or even if Turner does return, I could see Rios getting more playtime than in 2020.

Home/Los Angeles Dodgers