During Monday’s scheduled off day, the Dodgers activated veteran second baseman Logan Forsythe from the 10-day disabled list (right shoulder inflammation) and optioned infielder Tim Locastro to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

However, and this is an enormous however, they have not yet officially announced the return of All-Star third baseman Justin Turner to their active roster, even though the 33-year-old Long Beach, California native and huge fan favorite traveled to Miami with the team for the three-game series with the Marlins which begins this evening. In other words, Turner’s much anticipated (and much needed) return is imminent.

But with this bit of good news (great news, actually), comes a bit of not-so-good news – there must be a corresponding roster move to make room for JT on the Dodgers 25-man roster. That being said, as of this morning, there are only 24 names listed on the Dodgers 25-man roster.

The name that is noticeably missing is that of 27-year-old utility infielder / back-up catcher Kyle Farmer, who appeared in 20 with the big club since Opening Day.

In those 20 games, of which 19 were at third base, the extremely likable Atlanta, Georgia native and Dodgers 2013 eighth-round draft pick out of the University of Georgia posted a slash-line of .230 / .304 / .279 for an OPS of .583. And though he didn’t hit any home runs in his 69 plate appearances with the Dodgers this season, he did hit three doubles and drove in eight runs.

Farmer became the first Dodger in franchise history to have a walk-off hit (a double) in his first major league plate appearance on July 30, 2017. (Photo credit – Jon SooHoo)

Meaning absolutely no disrespect whatsoever to Farmer, Turner’s return couldn’t come at a better time, with the Dodgers now dangerously close to last place in the National League West. As it stands at this moment, the Dodgers are exactly .028 percentage points ahead of the San Diego Padres for last place in the division. And while the Dodgers still have a better overall record than the NL East last place Marlins, it is only slightly better at 16-24, as compared to Miami’s 14-26 record before play begins on Tuesday.

As for what Turner’s return means to his teammates and his manager, to the man they all acknowledge that they are – and will be – a better team with the popular redhead back in their lineup.

“[Turner] makes your lineup look better, it does” – Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.

“To get those two veterans back who can definitely help us win ball games is going to be huge for us.” – Dodgers first baseman Cody Bellinger.

“I think it’going to be a huge boost. It would be a good shot for us.” – Dodgers left-hander Rich Hill.

Even though Turner went 0-for-6 in his two rehab games with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, he hit the ball hard several times. He also made a nice running catch in foul territory on defense.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Although we won’t officially know until (about) three hours before game time if it is indeed Farmer who gets (got) optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City, it’s impossible to ignore that he is no longer listed on the Dodgers 25-man roster, which currently has only 24 names on it.

Stay tuned.