Veteran infielder Justin Turner (39), whom the LA Dodgers chose not to re-sign, has made a triumphant comeback with the Boston Red Sox. He reached the 20-home run milestone for the first time in two years, marking a successful free-agent move.
On the 21st (local time), Turner started as the number 3 hitter and first baseman in the away game against the New York Yankees. He showcased his prowess by achieving two hits in four at-bats, including his 20th homer of the season, four RBIs, and one walk, leading Boston to a 6-5 victory. The Red Sox completed a sweep in the three-game series against the Yankees.
In the tied 7th inning at 2-2, Turner delivered. With two outs and a runner on second, the Yankees intentionally walked Rafael Devers to first base, choosing to face Turner — a choice they’d regret. Turner slammed the first pitch from Yankees right-hander Michael King, sending it over the left-center field wall for his 20th homer of the season. It marked his return to the 20-home run메이저사이트 기준 plateau for the first time since 2021, when he hit 27.
Again in the 9th inning, when the score was tied at 5-5, Turner emerged as the hero. With one out and runners on the corners, he pushed the second pitch from Yankees closer Clay Holmes, a low outside sinker, dropping it into right field for a game-winning RBI double. He showcased his “clutch hitter” traits with two decisive hits in the latter half of the game.
According to local media including ‘MLB.com’, after the game, Turner commented on the 9th inning situation saying, “I didn’t try to do too much. I simply tried to hit the ball to the outfield to get at least one runner in.” On Devers’ intentional walk in the 7th, he said, “I might have done the same, but it surely feels good to deliver a solid swing in such situations.”
Kenley Jansen, a closing pitcher who has been playing with Turner since his Dodgers days and rejoined him in Boston this year, said, “I’ve seen him be ‘Mr. Clutch’ for the past decade. Nothing distracts Turner. He gives his best every game. The way he prepares and maintains himself in the clubhouse daily, his consistency, is truly remarkable. It’s fun to play with him and I’m glad to be his teammate again.”
Turner, who suffered a bruised heel in a game against the Seattle Mariners on the 1st, still has lingering pain and recently played mainly as a designated hitter. However, with regular first baseman Triston Casas out due to a dental infection, Turner played defense in the Yankees series on the 20th and 21st. Boston’s manager Alex Cora said, “Turner has been great at the plate. Walks, homers, line drive doubles – he’s a great hitter, but also a superb leader. It’s great that he’s playing for us. It means a lot.”
From 2014 to last year, Turner, who had been the Dodgers’ starting third baseman and a core batter, also played a pivotal role as a clubhouse leader. However, his performance dipped last year with a batting average of .278 (468 at-bats, 130 hits), 13 homers, 81 RBIs, and an OPS of .788. The Dodgers declined their $16 million team option for Turner for 2023. While many expected a re-signing토토사이트 순위 at a lower salary, the Dodgers signed the three-year-younger designated hitter J.D. Martinez for $10 million for one year.
Turner, failing to re-sign with the Dodgers, moved to Boston where Martinez used to play. He signed a contract worth a guaranteed $15 million for one year, with a maximum of $21.7 million over two years. While Martinez, with an average of .256 (351 at-bats, 90 hits), 25 homers, 78 RBIs, and an OPS of .856, has met the Dodgers’ expectations, Turner also announced his robust form with an average of .288 (430 at-bats, 124 hits), 20 homers, 79 RBIs, and an OPS of .844.
Turner has a player option with Boston for next year at $13.4 million. If he doesn’t exercise it, he’ll receive a $6.7 million buyout and can become a free agent again. With his current performance, he might eye a bigger contract in the free-agent market.