Justin Turner to miss first week of spring training games while recovering from knee surgery

PHOENIX -- Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner remains on track to be ready by opening day. But for now, recovery from offseason knee surgery will keep him out of Cactus League games for at least a week, manager Dave Roberts said on Monday.

The Dodgers open their Cactus League schedule on Thursday afternoon against the White Sox.

"It's fair to say you won't see him in a game for a week," Roberts said on Monday.

Turner had microfracture surgery on his left knee on Oct. 22 to clean up loose bodies, stemming from a bone bruise that bothered him since June. He has reported no setbacks in his recovery.

"He's doing well, and our main concern for him 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 other side if we need do, so I'm not too concerned about that," Roberts said. "As far as him taking grounders and the lateral work, coming in on the ball, he's doing that every day."

Turner was the Dodgers' best hitter in 2015, hitting .294/.370/.461 with 26 doubles and a career-high 16 home runs in 126 games.

With Turner out a week or so, the Dodgers will use a combination of Chase Utley, Howie Kendrick and Alex Guerrero at third base. That trio made a combined 21 starts at the hot corner in 2015, 18 by Guerrero.

"I want to see Howie and Chase over there. Neither guy has played a whole lot over there. For my eyes, the coaches' eyes, and for their peace of mind, they need to get repetitions over there," Roberts said. "As we get through spring, things will become more clear."