Turner makes impact in return to Dodgers

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers got a big bat back in the middle of their order as the club activated third baseman Justin Turner from the 15-day disabled list before Thursday's 10-3 loss to the Reds.

In the corresponding move, the Dodgers optioned second baseman Jose Peraza to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Peraza made his Major League debut on Monday and was 1-for-6 in two starts.

Peraza was initially on the lineup card when it was posted Thursday, before the Dodgers announced the move about three hours before gametime against Cincinnati. Turner wasn't in the starting lineup but entered in the fifth inning, going 1-for-3 with a run scored.

"It felt good. Good to be back out there and get a nice greeting from the fans, which was nice. It almost felt like the first game of the season," Turner said.

In his first at-bat, Turner hit a deep fly off the wall in right field for a single.

"The biggest concern when you miss any amount of time is getting your timing back so I was just making sure I was on time for the fastball and I got a good pitch," Turner said.

Turner had been on the disabled list with an MRSA infection and has been out of the lineup since July 26. The third baseman has been one of the Dodgers' most prolific hitters at .323 and he has 13 home runs this season.

Mattingly said Turner would return to the starting lineup Friday. "I feel ready to go," Turner said. "I tested everything running so I feel totally comfortable with going out there and playing nine innings."

With Peraza being sent down, only Kiké Hernandez is left at second base as Howie Kendrick is on the disabled list with a hamstring injury. Mattingly said both Turner and Alberto Callaspo will figure to work in at second base behind Hernandez for the time being.

"We'll see who is most comfortable over there and what gives us the most options," Mattingly said.