The Dodgers will have to finish Game 4 of the NL Championship Series without their postseason franchise leader in home runs and RBIs.
Third baseman Justin Turner was forced to leave Wednesday’s game against the Braves with an apparent hamstring injury, according to a report by Los Angeles Times reporter Bill Shaikin. It’s unclear if it will be available to play in Game 5.
Apparent hamstring injury when trying to overcome a double play. He walked cautiously off the field.
– Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) October 21, 2021
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In the seventh inning of the game, Turner grounded down the middle to Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies, who fielded the ball, stepped on second for the first out and threw to first to catch Turner and complete the double play. Turner ran out of the box at full speed, but slowed down as he got closer to the bag. He left the game with the Dodgers losing the game 5-2 and the team trailing in the NLCS 2-1 to Atlanta.
He was replaced by the utility asked by Chris Taylor at third base.
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Turner missed several weeks in late 2020 due to a left hamstring injury and has been hampered this postseason by both a hamstring and a neck injury that forced him to sit in the Game. 2 of the National League Championship Series, although he later entered as a pinch-hitter.
Justin Turner, who has been playing with a hamstring injury, was left lame as he ran down the first base line with a double play ball. Looks like he grabbed it.
– Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) October 21, 2021
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This is the latest injury for a Dodgers team already weakened by them. First baseman Max Muncy has missed the entire postseason with an elbow injury. Ace Clayton Kershaw has also been sidelined with forearm discomfort throughout the postseason.
Turner has long been one of the best postseason hitters on the team. He holds the Dodgers’ postseason records with 13 home runs and 42 RBIs, and has slashed a collective .274 / .372 / .475 in his playoff career.
However, he has struggled this postseason as he only has a .416 OPS. His only home run in the playoffs was a big one, as he tied the NL Wild Card Game against the Cardinals at 1-1.
This publication will be updated as more information becomes available.