Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports)
The Los Angeles Dodgers will have to go the rest of the way in the postseason without Justin Turner, who suffered a hamstring injury in Game 4.
Wednesday was a tough night for the Dodgers.
They fell down 1-3 in the NLCS to the Braves and lost Justin Turner in the process.
Dave Roberts told reporters after the game the third baseman suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain, per Bob Nightengale. He is expected to miss the rest of the postseason as a result.
Justin Turner injury update: Third baseman out for the postseason
Turner hurt his hamstring trying to make it to first base in the seventh inning. Immediately he showed signs that the injury might end up being significant. He even needed help from Albert Pujols to get down the stairs towards the clubhouse.
Roberts confirmed what was already feared. If the Dodgers go any further in the playoffs, it’ll have to be without Turner.
In Game 4, Chris Taylor took over for Turner at first base with Steven Souza Jr. taking a spot in right field as a result.
The fact that Souza Jr. is seeing action in the NLCS speaks to the injury woes the Dodgers have faced this season. There isn’t a lot of positional flexibility with injuries to the likes of Turner and Max Muncy getting in the way. Gavin Lux is already filling in in the outfield with little experience there.
Dave Roberts will have to figure out his best lineup for the next game in Atlanta while also trying to get the mentality of his team right as they face an uphill climb. Last year they erased a 1-3 deficit to the Braves. They’ll need to do it again if they want to keep their season alive.