Dodgers: Justin Turner’s broken wrist and what to do at third base

The Los Angeles Dodgers suffered the first significant blow of the season: losing All-Star third baseman Justin Turner to a broken wrist.

Some things are a given in the game of baseball. The Los Angeles Dodgers have the best hot dogs; talking about a pitcher’s no-hitter jinxes it; you do not bunt up by more than five runs; and if you crowd the plate, expect some heat coming right at you.

Unfortunately, Justin Turner was the recipient of some heat Monday night, right at his hands.

Turner, who was fourth in the National League in hit by pitches last season, is notorious for crowding the plate. His feet are dug in the dirt as close to the batter’s box as possible. His open stance transitions to one that brings his hands over the plate when the pitch is delivered.

In what has become a case of deja vu, Turner was drilled with a fastball on Monday night. However, this one was different. It did not bounce off of his elbow guard, he could not turn his back in time. Thankfully, it stayed away from his helmet and face. Unfortunately, though, it struck him right on his left wrist.

https://twitter.com/BasebaIlKing/status/975954945722560513

Turner’s wrist is broken. Per Bill Shaikin of The LA Times, Turner is not expected to return before May. Although it will take a doctor’s visit to determine an exact return time, past injuries provide a window. Freddie Freeman missed six weeks with a broken wrist; George Springer missed nine.

Six weeks would put Turner right on track to return May 1, 28 games into the season. Nine weeks would put Turner within a week of Memorial Day, closer to 50 games into the season. Justin Turner played in 130 games last season.

Now, the Dodgers are left with some decisions to make. Luckily for Dave Roberts, the Dodgers have done a great job at being flexible, giving them multiple options to play third.

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Roberts, though, is already ruling out some of those options. Chris Taylor will remain as a center fielder and shortstop. Austin Barnes, Enrique Hernandez and Chase Utley will provide insurance at second base.

The best lineup to field depends on who the Dodgers are facing. Against left-handed pitchers, Forsythe can play third with Hernandez at second base and Barnes behind the plate (Barnes at second and Yasmani Grandal behind the plate if Hernandez is needed elsewhere).

It gets trickier against right-handers as Forsythe and Hernandez both struggle.

However, Grandal is better, allowing him to catch and Barnes to play second. Then, either Forsythe, Utley or Hernandez can play third on a day-by-day basis.

Kyle Farmer seems to be a lock to make the roster now as well. Farmer has excelled during Spring but was likely going to start in AAA Oklahoma City with Barnes and Grandal at the MLB level.

With Barnes fielding more time in the infield, and Farmer’s ability to play third, adding him as a depth piece is a huge must for the Dodgers.

This is not the end of the world for LA. The team is so talented that they should be able to carry on without too big of a loss. However, taking away Justin Turner’s bat is a huge subtraction and could have a negative impact on those that typically bat around him.

Next: Lack of pitching depth may force a trade

Dave Roberts and the Dodgers always manage to pull through during injuries and overperform. For those hopeful of another World Series run, they need to repeat that magic in April and early May.