Justin Turner takes hot bat back to Dodger bench

Infielder Justin Turner played in 109 games this season, the second-highest total in his career. He even batted cleanup for the Dodgers during the final series of the regular season.

But when the Dodgers begin postseason play against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday, Turner will be back on the bench. Nevermind the fact that Turner, who played all four infield positions, leads the team with a .340 average, including a .422 mark in September

“It’s been that same role all year,� he said after driving several balls into the left-field pavilion during batting practice Tuesday at Dodger Stadium. “You come to the field, you get ready to play.

“If I’m in the lineup, I’ll get ready to get four at-bats. And if not, I’ll get into my routine and get ready for that pinch-hit at-bat.�

Problem is, Turner is never sure when -- or if -- that at-bat will come. Maybe he’ll just pinch-run or play in the field, if he plays at all. Uncertainty, like the possibility of splinters, is part of the job description for bench players.

“I think everyone prefers to know. But this is the role I’ve been in all year,� said Turner, who entered the year with a .260 career average in five big-league seasons with the Orioles and Mets. “This is the role I came over here to be in. You’ve got to be prepared for everything.�

What gives Turner a little extra confidence that he’ll be able to produce when called upon is the hot streak he’ll take into the postseason, a streak that saw him hit safely in 10 of his final 13 games.

“I think we’ve all gone through periods of time where we felt really good,� he said. “This year I’ve had a pretty good routine that I’ve stuck to throughout the year. And I’ve been pretty consistent and I’ve been able to maintain it longer than normal.�

Twitter: @kbaxter11