Just under two hours before the Los Angeles Dodgers faced the San Diego Padres at Camelback Ranch, thoughts and prayers were sent to Florida, where Justin Turner came out of a Spring Training game with the Boston Red Sox after being hit by a pitch in the face.
The scary scene occurred in the bottom of the first inning as a fastball got away from Detroit Tigers starter Matt Manning. Turner immediately dropped to the ground and grabbed at his face as Red Sox medical personnel rushed the field.
“He’s receiving treatment for soft tissue injuries, and is being monitored for a concussion,” the Red Sox said in a statement during the game. “He will undergo further testing, and we’ll update as we have more information. Justin is stable, alert, and in good spirits given the circumstances.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he sent his thoughts to Turner immediately after seeing him get, according to Doug Padilla of the Southern California News Group:
“It was scary,” Roberts said. “I shot him a text right when it happened. Hopefully he’s fine. I haven’t heard since, but that’s just a scary thing for everybody.”
By Monday night, Turner’s wife, Kourtney, shared he was at home and received 16 stitches. She added Turner was dealing with swelling but avoided any fractures.
Thank you to everyone that reached out about Justin and sent prayers. We’re home now and he’s resting (okay – maybe listening to the replay of the game). 16 stitches and a lot of swelling but we are thanking God for no fractures & clear scans. ❤️ @redturn2
— Kourtney Turner (@court_with_a_K) March 6, 2023
A similar situation played out in July 2021, when Turner also avoided serious injury despite a ball thrown in the direction of his head. It glanced off his left shoulder and ricocheted into the helmet ear flap rather than being struck flush in the face. He was in the Dodgers lineup the following day.
Turner holds the all-time Dodgers franchise record for most hit by pitches.
Justin Turner has fond memories of Dodgers career
Although the Dodgers did not re-sign Turner in free agency this past offseason, he doesn’t hold any ill will toward the organization.
“Regardless of anyone’s opinions on what should’ve happened, what did happen, or what went down, I don’t think anything is going to take away from the nine years I had in L.A as a Dodger,” he said from a Justin Turner Day celebration at the Los Angeles Dream Center.
“It was absolutely an incredible ride I was on. I’m so grateful for so many people that took us in and made us feel part of the Dodger family, but also at the same time, I’m looking forward to this next chapter and heading out to Boston and playing for the Red Sox. Another outstanding organization.”
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
