NEW YORK -- Justin Turner's return to the Dodgers' lineup remains an elusive target.

After the Dodgers' 3-2 win over the Mets on Sunday night, manager Dave Roberts backtracked from assurances earlier in the day that Turner would return from a sprained left ankle to start Tuesday's homestand opener against Tampa Bay.

"Just talked to J.T., and we'll see where he's at," Roberts said. "I know I was aggressive as far as Tuesday. He's still -- if he's not 100 percent where he needs to be, I have no problem pushing it back. He's still feeling it. It's an ideal situation to get him in there on Tuesday. If it doesn't happen, there's still plenty of time to get him ready for the postseason. It's still a sprain. Every day he's gotten better."

• Dress for success: NL West champions gear

Turner hasn't played since leaving for a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning Sept. 7 against the Giants. Initially, he was expected to miss one start, but then he missed the series in Baltimore and the series in New York.

In his absence, Matt Beaty, Chris Taylor and Jedd Gyorko have started at third base.