Dodgers give up…Boston goes and resurrects, 20 homers at 39 “Mr Clutch for 10 years”

After being waived by the Los Angeles Dodgers, veteran infielder Justin Turner, 39, has resurfaced with the Boston Red Sox. For the first time in two years, Turner has become a free agent success story, reaching the 20-homer plateau.

Turner batted third in the lineup against the New York Yankees on 21 July and went 2-for-4 with a home run, his 20th of the season, four RBIs, one walk and three stolen bases in Boston’s 6-5 victory. Boston swept a three-game series against the Yankees.

안전놀이터 Turner’s single broke a 2-2 tie in the seventh inning. With two on and two out, the Yankees sent Rafael Devers to first base on an automatic double play, setting up Turner to win the game. Turner took a first-pitch sweeper from Yankees right-hander Michael King over the wall in left-centre field. His 20th home run of the season. It was the first time he had reached the 20-homer plateau in two years since 2021 (27).

With the game tied 5-5 in the ninth, Turner came through again. With runners on first and third and one out, he drove a two-seam low sinker from Yankees closer Clay Holmes into the gap in right field for a two-run double. It was the game-winning hit. His two clutch hits late in the game were the epitome of a ‘clutch hitter’.

“I wasn’t trying to do too much,” Turner said of the ninth inning, according to MLB.com and other local media outlets. I was just trying to get a pitch to the outfield to get one out,” Turner said of Devers’ high four-pitch at-bat in the seventh inning, “I would have done the same thing, but it definitely feels good to take a good swing in that situation.”

Closer Kenley Jansen, who is working with Turner again this year in Boston after being with the Dodgers from 2014-2021, said, “I’ve watched him for 10 years as Mr Clutch, and nothing can stop him. He goes out there every game and gives it his all. The way he takes care of himself in the clubhouse every day, the way he prepares, the consistency is just incredible. It’s fun to be around him. It’s fun to have him as a teammate again.”

Turner, who suffered a left heel contusion against the Seattle Mariners on April 1, is still sore and has played primarily as a designated hitter in recent days. But he played first base against the Yankees on 20-21 with starting first baseman Tristan Casas out with a tooth infection. Boston manager Alex Cora said, “Turner did a good job at the plate. He’s a good hitter with a double, a home run and a line drive double, but he’s also a great leader. I’m glad he’s playing for us. It means a lot.”

Turner, the Dodgers’ starting third baseman and centre fielder for nine years from 2014 to last year, was a clubhouse leader and exemplary moral compass. But he spiralled downward last year, batting .278 (130-for-468) with 13 home runs, 81 RBIs and a .788 OPS in 128 games. The Dodgers waived Turner’s $16 million team option for 2023 after the season. He was expected to re-sign at a lower salary, but the Dodgers signed designated hitter J.D. Martinez, three years younger, to a one-year, $10 million deal.

After failing to re-sign with the Dodgers, Turner went to Boston, where Martinez was playing. He signed as a free agent for one year, $15 million guaranteed, with a two-year maximum of $21.7 million. While Martinez, who switched teams in a trade, has fulfilled the Red Sox’ expectations by batting .259 (90-for-351) with 25 homers, 78 RBIs and an .856 OPS in 92 games, Turner has also been solid, batting .288 (124-for-430) with 20 homers, 79 RBIs and an .844 OPS in 112 games.

Turner has a $13.4 million player option with Boston for next year. If Turner doesn’t exercise it, he can become a free agent again with a $6.7 million buyout. At this rate, he’ll be looking for a bigger contract in free agency. /waw@osen.co.kr

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Dodgers give up…Boston goes and resurrects, 20 homers at 39 “Mr Clutch for 10 years”

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