Turner slots into Mets' starting lineup in finale

NEW YORK -- Justin Turner's first at-bat since his return from the disabled list resulted in one of the highlight plays of the young second half. A diving grab by Jason Heyward ended Monday's loss to the Braves.

On Thursday, Turner got a chance in the starting lineup.

The infielder started at shortstop and batted sixth against the Braves on Thursday, making his first start since June 15. With a 12:10 p.m. start following Wednesday's night game, Terry Collins said the reason for getting Turner into the lineup was "two-fold."

"It's good to get Justin in there, get him some at-bats, get him some playing time," the Mets manager said, "but it's also good to give [Omar Quintanilla] a blow. He's played every inning but one since he's been here, and I think he could certainly use a rest."

Turner, a career .255 hitter, is batting .263 this season with six doubles in 103 at-bats. Quintanilla is batting just .225 since joining the Major League roster on May 30.

"It's good to get Justin back," Collins said. "We all know this guy's a good baseball player and he's a good offensive player, so I thought today would be a good day to get him in there."