GLENDALE, Ariz. -- A year ago, Justin Turner was in camp on a minor league deal, trying to jump-start a career stalled after the New York Mets abruptly severed ties. His presence was as much a testament to his relationship with Dodgers bench coach Tim Wallach, a fellow Cal State Fullerton alum, as it was to the Dodgers’ needs.

Now, he’s among the Dodgers’ core players and working with a new $2.5 million contract. Good things tend to happen to players who bat .340.

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly spent part of his media session Friday morning gushing about Turner and implying that he could get far more than the 288 at-bats he had last season. The Dodgers plan again to use Turner at all four infield spots.

Turner lost weight over the winter and was a regular at Dodger Stadium workouts. Mattingly said his work has already shown up on the field.

“He’s in great shape this year, moving so much better. I know he feels really good and watching his movements, it looks like he has his base under him,” Mattingly said. “We’ll get a good chance to see what he looks like all over.”

The Dodgers figure to need role players, particularly on the infield. Their youngest infielder, Howie Kendrick, is 31. Third baseman Juan Uribe will be 36 by Opening Day, the same age as shortstop Jimmy Rollins. Adrian Gonzalez turns 33 in May. Mattingly said he’ll need to schedule regular rest for three of his infielders and Uribe has been prone to hamstring injuries in recent years, so they’re looking at Turner in a super-utility role, as nearly an everyday player.

“I don’t know about everyday, but he’s going to be a guy you’re not afraid to put in there,” Mattingly said.