Turner (hamstring) on track; Bellinger returns
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Justin Turner, who was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to Aug. 29 with a left hamstring strain, is on schedule and expected to return to action next Tuesday against the D-backs in Arizona.
Turner, who has been slowed by hamstring injuries in recent years, was slashing .282/.384/.410 in 32 games with two homers and 20 RBIs at the time of his injury. The Dodgers are taking a measured approach with the 35-year-old’s playing time down the stretch.
“We certainly have some off-days looking out later to September, so there's the balance of not red-lighting him, but also you got to ramp him up to get ready for the postseason so he's sharp,” Roberts said. “We’ll thread the needle with that.”
Turner said he's been "progressing every day."
"Our training staff is unbelievable and we are doing everything we can to get back on the field," he said.
On Thursday, Turner was announced as one the 30 club nominees for the 2020 Roberto Clemente Award, the annual recognition of the MLB player who best represents the game through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.
“He and [wife] Kourtney do just amazing things in the community and are always serving,” manager Dave Roberts said. “It's just remarkable how he can balance a Major League Baseball season and still serve the community. He just does a fantastic job.”
Injury updates
• Reigning National League MVP Award winner Cody Bellinger was back in the lineup at first base during Thursday's 5-1 win over the D-backs after missing two games because of a lat injury. He went 0-for-4. Bellinger injured his back taking some swings Tuesday.
• Joe Kelly and Pedro Báez could be activated at the end of next week.
Kelly, who was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to Aug. 9 with right shoulder inflammation, is scheduled to face hitters this weekend. Báez, who was placed on the 10-day IL Aug. 20 with a right groin strain, was scheduled to throw a bullpen session Thursday and is on track to face hitters next week.