Justin Turner activated from DL, expected to start on Friday
After nearly three weeks without Justin Turner, the Dodgers will have the versatile infielder and his big bat in the lineup again.
Prior to the Dodgers game against the Reds on Thursday, the team announced that it had activated Turner from the disabled list and sent prospect Jose Peraza back to Triple-A in a corresponding move.
Turner hasn't played for Los Angeles since July 26 after contracting Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a type of staph infection resistant to many antibiotics that is serious if it spreads.
The 30-year-old infielder, who is having a breakout season at the plate, will be gradually worked back in to action, as requested by head trainer Stan Conte.
"That's the plan that Stan had to ease him back in," Mattingly said. "I know he wanted to be active, he feels good. As soon as he felt good this morning, we knew we'd have him in there."
Although he was placed on the active roster prior to Thursday's game, Turner didn't start the game, but manager Don Mattingly revealed he plans to start him on Friday.
In 87 games this season, Turner has posted career highs in home runs (13), RBI (44), and OPS (.950) thanks to a .563 slugging percentage.
On a team with sluggers like Yasiel Puig, Adrian Gonzalez, and Andre Ethier, Turner leads the Blue Crew in OPS.
(h/t MLB.com)
