Turner Hits Grand Slam To Help Dodgers Beat Rangers 5-4
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GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) - Justin Turner hit a grand slam, Alex Wood gave up two homers but struck out six over five innings and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Texas Rangers 5-4 on Monday night.
Turner went 1 for 3 to drop his batting average to .600 this spring. He launched a pitch from Rangers starter Derek Holland over center field in the fifth inning for his second homer this spring.
"JT, offensively, and defensively, is just consistent," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "He makes the plays that need to be made. That was a big hit.
"He's put in the work he's had to this spring. He was consistent with his rehab. It's encouraging."
Wood, the Dodgers' likely No. 4 starter, gave up a home run to Ryan Rua in the second and a three-run homer to Rougned Odor in the fifth.
"The first homer, a two-seamer, just cut, cut accidently on him," Roberts said. "The next one was just another ambush, fastball up against another good hitter."
Odor's homer, a soaring shot to center, was his fourth within a week. He hit three against the Padres on Friday night and has 13 hits in his last 27 at-bats.
STARTING TIME
Rangers: Holland strung together four scoreless innings before Turner's slam. He gave up six hits and struck out two.
"I was happy how it went because I started out with an erratic fastball and my tempo was fast," he said. "I had to slow myself down. Overall, I was pleased, so I can't be upset with the slam. I still battled."
Dodgers: Despite the two homers, Wood was happy with his work.
"It was the best I've felt," he said. "I could have gone an extra, maybe two. I feel ready, really confident."
TRAINER'S ROOM
Rangers: RHP Yu Darvish, who is coming off Tommy John surgery, threw a bullpen on Monday, throwing 40 pitches. ... INF Ike Davis (sprained right knee) is running through daily drills. ... OF Drew Stubbs, a possible fifth outfielder, is suffering from a sore neck.
Dodgers: OF Yasiel Puig was back in the lineup Monday after missing two games with a tight left hamstring. He was 0 for 2 and got picked off at second base. ... INF Howie Kendrick is still sidelined by a strained left calf. Roberts expects him to stay in Arizona for treatment and minor league games after the club head to Los Angeles following Wednesday's game. ... C Yasmani Grandal (sore forearm) caught LHP Scott Kazmir in a bullpen on Monday. He returned throws for the first time since aggravating the lingering injury 10 days ago. ... LHP Hyun-jin Ryu is working his way back from shoulder surgery and is set for a bullpen on Wednesday. He could throw batting practice next week. The club hasn't decided whether he'll stay in Arizona or accompany the team to Los Angeles. ... INF Corey Seager (sprained left ankle) played six innings in a minor league game on Monday. He is scheduled for another minor league game Tuesday.
ROSTER MOVE
The Dodgers optioned left-handed pitcher Adam Liberatore to the minor leagues. More moves are expected Tuesday.
UP NEXT
Rangers: They make a return trip to Camelback Ranch on Tuesday with RHP A.J. Griffin set to start against White Sox ace Chris Sale, the left-hander who will make his third spring start after posting a 4.76 ERA over his first two.
Dodgers: They are in Peoria on Tuesday with RHP Ross Stripling scheduled for his first start and fourth spring appearance against Padres RHP Colin Rea.
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