Justin Turner getting closer to game action, Andre Ethier has right hand contusion

PHOENIX -- As Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner gets closer to seeing game action, outfielder Andre Ethier was held out on Monday's game as a precaution after suffering a contusion on his right hand.

Ethier started in left field both Thursday and Saturday and went 1-for-2 with a single in each game. He would have started Monday as well, as manager Dave Roberts has had most of the regulars playing in games every other day to open the Cactus League schedule, but was held back as a precaution.

"We're giving Ethier an extra day. He's going to be out there running around catching baseballs and throwing," Roberts said. "Just with the bottom hand and his swing, we're going to keep him out an extra day."

Even with the restriction, Ethier was able to take batting practice during workouts, and should be available to start as early as Tuesday.

For Turner, Monday marks his fifth game missed as he continues to work on the back fields on his way back from microfracture surgery in his left knee in October. He got six at-bats against minor league pitching on Sunday, and figures to do the same again on Tuesday.

"He's taking ground balls, doing all of the activities we have, and running the bases," Roberts said. "If we can get him 4-5 at-bats over the next couple of days, that will be a positive."

Turner said if all goes well the next step would be a minor league game on Friday. Even though being ready for opening day is the ultimate goal and remains a realistic possibility, Turner is anxious to play in games on the major league side of ctamp.

"It's frustrating seeing your teammates and not being out there with them," Turner said.

In other Dodgers injury news, Alex Guerrero was back and fully participating in team workouts one day after getting scratched from Sunday's lineup with left knee soreness.

"He's back to being a baseball player today," Roberts quipped.

Roberts said Guerrero could be the designated hitter as early as Tuesday.