Turner unlikely to hit IL, pinch-hits vs. Reds

CINCINNATI -- Justin Turner grounded out as a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning of Saturday's 4-0 loss to the Reds, which Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said was an indication that his condition had improved throughout the day, and bettered his chances of returning to the lineup on Sunday.

“We’ll kind of reassess tomorrow,” Roberts said. “He felt good about taking the at-bat. I just thought that was our best chance to extend the game and get us to the top of the order. Today was a good improvement.”

Prior to Saturday’s game, Roberts indicated that Turner could be out for a couple days but that a stint on the injured list was not likely.

X-rays were negative on Turner’s left shin on Friday night after he fouled a ball off his leg in the third inning.

“It swelled up like a baseball was coming out of my shin,” Turner said on Friday.

Roberts said on Saturday that the swelling had subsided, and that Turner was available to “hit in a big spot,” but preferred to stay away from him. Turner ended up batting with a runner aboard but grounded out for the final out.

Being the first team in the National League to reach 30 victories, the Dodgers aren’t in a position to feel like they need to rush Turner back. They have some depth on the roster, as well.

“Right now, we’re carrying five position players, so there’s some coverage,” Roberts said. “With 10 days with some off-days and X-rays negative, all of that lends itself to giving it a couple days and seeing how it responds. Right now, we’re not contemplating [the IL].”

On Saturday, Matt Beaty, who was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday, made his first career start at first base with Max Muncy at third. Beaty went 1-for-4 with a single.

“Having Beaty on the roster helps things,” Roberts said. “To give [Turner] potentially two or three days to get ready for Tuesday. … It’s certainly a thought. I think I’m going to let the training staff and Justin drive that [conversation].”

Despite being mired in a minor 0-for-9 skid, Turner is batting .283 with six home runs and 21 RBIs in 43 games. He hit three homers on May 7.

Nobody could blame Turner for feeling a little snakebit. He was hit by pitches in four straight games before taking the ball off the shin on Friday night.

“Justin stands on the plate and that’s part of the risk,” Roberts said. “Self-induced is worse than all those other hits by pitch. We’re going to manage it. He takes such good care of himself I’m not worried about it. He’s as tough as they come.”