The Los Angeles Dodgers are 2-1 since completing a blockbuster trade with the Washington Nationals to acquire Max Scherzer and Trea Turner, though neither has yet to play for their new team.
Scherzer started on the eve of the trade deadline and is scheduled to make his Dodgers debut on Wednesday against the Houston Astros. The wait will be longer for Turner, however, as he remains in MLB protocol after testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).
“I don’t know exactly,” answered manager Dave Roberts when asked when Turner would be able to join the Dodgers.
“I think it’s fair to say there’s some hurdles he’s obviously got to get through. Talked to him, he’s excited to join his teammates and get to see the fans in Los Angeles; those are his words. I would say sometime end of the week, Friday or Saturday, something like that, he’ll be in Los Angeles. That’s my hope.”
While Roberts is hopeful to have Turner with the team at Dodger Stadium by the weekend, whether that amounts to being on the active roster and playing is unclear.
“I don’t want to say because I don’t really know right now,” Roberts added.
Per MLB’s protocols, Turner is required to remain in isolation at least 10 days from the date of a positive test — which was Tuesday, July 27. Turner would need to register negative tests and pass other screenings in order to be cleared for a return.
“We’ll continue to read and react based on the situation. I know he’s chomping at the bit to get out here as soon as he can,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said.
“So as soon as he’s cleared to do so, I know he will. As we learn more we’ll share that.”
Mookie, Turner pairing
The Dodgers have not given any indication where Turner will play — presumed by many to be second base — nor where in the lineup he will slot in. If taking into account Turner’s career, that would be either leadoff or second behind Mookie Betts.
“It’ll be pretty cool,” Betts said of potentially pairing with Turner atop the Dodgers lineup. “We should see here real soon. I’m definitely excited these guys are joining the team to help us win another ring.
“But I’m not really thinking about me, Trea, or whoever at the top of the lineup. I’m just thinking about going out and wining ballgames.”
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