After a slow start, Justin Turner is finding his rhythm at the plate
Photo Credit: NBC Sports Boston
Justin Turner was one of the biggest additions for the Red Sox in the offseason. The veteran infielder was brought to Boston to provide veteran leadership and a spark offensively. After a slow start, he’s done just that and terrorized opposing pitchers as he’s settled into his new surroundings.
Through 17 games, Turner has posted a .267 batting average with six runs batted in. During the first few weeks of his Red Sox tenure, he has hit in the heart of the lineup and shown some power with five extra-base hits. While those numbers may not jump off the page, he has been on fire at the plate of late.
Entering play on Tuesday, the Long Beach native is hitting .391 in his last seven games. During that stretch, Turner has at least one hit in every start. On Monday night, he nearly extended his hitting streak to seven games but went 0-1 against the Angels. He flew out to center in his only at-bat and barely missed a home run.
With Turner barreling up more pitches, the Red Sox offense has been harder to face. Three of his four doubles this season have come in the last week, and his first home run of the season came in that span. With injuries mounting, Turner has provided the Red Sox with a reliable bat.
While the Cal State Fullerton product is making an impact at the plate, he has been just as good defensively. In three games at first base, the former seventh-round pick has not committed an error and turned four double plays. He has served as the primary DH for most of the season but has been solid in the field when needed.
As the Red Sox look to build on their success against the Angels earlier this week, Turner will be a crucial piece. He has put his teammates in the position to drive in runs and has been one of the Red Sox’s best hitters after Rafael Devers. Over the last few days, Turner has shown why he was a valuable addition to this roster.
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