Justin Turner, Los Angeles Dodgers. (Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports)
Justin Turner will not be starting for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 2 of the 2021 NLCS.
It has been a minute since the last time the Los Angeles Dodgers did not have third baseman Justin Turner penciled into their postseason lineup.
Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts is holding Turner out in Game 2 on Sunday night for precautionary measures, as his typical starting third baseman is dealing with a neck stinger. While pitching has been the consistent strong point throughout the Dodgers’ dynastic run over in the NL West, Turner has been the straw that stirs the drink for them offensively. His absence may be felt on Sunday.
Here is the lineup Roberts is going with that does not have Turner manning the hot corner.
Justin Turner injury update: Dodgers 3B not starting Game 2 (neck stinger)
Prior to this game, Turner had made 77 straight postseason starts for the Boys in Blue.
The last time the Dodgers submitted a postseason lineup card without Turner’s name on it was Game 4 of the 2014 NLDS vs. the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Atlanta Braves won a wild one on Saturday night, as Austin Riley drove in Ozzie Albies from second base on his walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Though the Dodgers had a far superior record over the Braves this season, Atlanta has home-field advantage in this best-of-seven series because they won their division and Los Angeles did not.
Turner could come off the bench, but he is not expected to play at all before Game 3 on Tuesday.