There were many Chicago Cubs fans wondering if Justin Turner might be DFA’d on Tuesday so the team could call up rookie catcher Moises Ballesteros to help fill a gap in the lineup after left fielder Ian Happ was placed on the 10-day injured list for an oblique injury.
Instead, the Cubs placed pitcher Tyson Miller on the 60-day injured list before calling up Bellesteros.
Turner has had a slow start to 2025, batting .169/.292/.186 with nine RBI. The 40-year-old picked a prime night on Tuesday to prove his worth to the Cubs.
A big hit for the Chicago Cubs
MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at Chicago Cubs Chicago Cubs first baseman Justin Turner (3) and infielder Matt Shaw (left) (6) (right) after the loss against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the Tokyo Series at Tokyo Dome. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Turner was brought in as a pinch hitter for Nicky Lopez. He took one walk before hitting a game-winning double that allowed the Cubs to escape Wrigley Field with a 5-4 win in front of 38,083 fans.
Justin Turner made history on Tuesday night
MLB: Chicago Cubs at San Diego Padres Chicago Cubs designated hitter Justin Turner (3) after hitting a two run home run during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Image
Per Marquee Sports Network, Turner made Cubs history on Tuesday night, becoming the first Chicago player to record a walk-off hit since Fred McGriff.
“Turner is the first Cub 38 years or older with a walk-off hit since Fred McGriff in 2002.”
During an appearance Tuesday on 670 The Score’s “Mully & Hugh Show,” Bruce Levine said the reason the Cubs were keeping Turner around despite his lack of hard contact to begin the season was because of the leadership he brings to the locker room.
“He brings an awful lot as far as they’re concerned when it comes to the clubhouse and the respect that he has in there,” Levine said. “But ultimately, it’s about your production, right? And he’d probably be the first one to tell you that.”
Maybe Tuesday night’s walk-off hit will give Turner momentum to keep his job on the 40-man roster.
MLB: Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers Chicago Cubs first baseman Justin Turner (3) waits to take batting practice before game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
