Justin Turner’s Crazy 2022 Turnaround Is One to Appreciate
Revitalization is the keyword to Dodger third baseman Justin Turner’s illustrious career. The New York Mets practically gave him up five years into his career. Since then with LA, he’s gone on to win a World Series, earned two All-Star appearances, and has become one of the best hitters in the game. That was until 2022.
Turner entered 2022 expected to be solid, but also aware of the fact he was going into his age-37 season. He’d already dealt with injuries, and with the new DH rule in the NL, he was expected to hold that position for the Dodgers.
As a result, the transition wasn’t easy and he struggled mightily. Through the first 70 games, he batted .227/.298/.375 with only six homers and 41 RBI. Fans and critics alike were ready to write off Turner, saying he should retire. Then the heat of the summer really came into effect.
Justin Turner pulled off nearly an entire 360 once July rolled around. The spark came back, echoing his dominant years at the plate. In his last 48 games, Turner is slashing an insane .364/.436/.574 with seven home runs and 40 RBI.
This stretch has brought his seasonal batting average from .227 all the way to .282. His OPS rose from .673 to .811 as well. This surge is scary for the rest of the league.
As the season progresses, the Dodgers remain hot collectively, clinching the NL West for the ninth time in the last 10 seasons. They are also the first team to reach 100 wins. Justin Turner is once again an offensive threat alongside Trea Turner, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman.
If Turner can keep this going into the postseason, the Dodgers will be unstoppable. As deep as the lineup already is, Justin provides that veteran depth and playoff pressure he knows all too well. He is indeed a difference maker.
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