Dodgers’ Justin Turner to be out for at least first week of Cactus League

Though he is still expected to be ready for opening day, Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner will not play during at least the first week of Cactus League games as he recovers from microfracture surgery on his left knee, Manager Dave Roberts said Monday.

“He’s doing well,” Roberts said. “Our main concern is his health and recovery, which, every day, continues to get better. But as far as the at-bats, we can get those on the [minor league] side if we need to. So I’m not too concerned about the at-bats. And as far as him taking grounders and the lateral [movement], the [charging] in on the ball, he’s doing that every day.”

Turner continues to express optimism about his recovery. He was one of the team’s most valuable players in 2015. He hit 16 home runs and led the team with an .861 on-base plus slugging percentage.

With Turner out, the team will play Howie Kendrick and Chase Utley at third base. Both players have spent the overwhelming majority of their careers at second base.

“I want to see Howie and Chase over there,” Roberts said. “Neither guy has played a whole lot over there.”