The Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series-clinching victory against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 6 was muddied by the unexpected exit of Justin Turner. He was removed from the contest in the eighth inning without reason, leading to confusion.
It was later revealed Turner had tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), which explained why he was not in the dugout over the final two innings of play, and why did not rush the field with his teammates to begin celebrating their title.
After speaking to Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, Turner eventually walked onto the field with a mask on. He was present for a team photo in which he was seated next to manager Dave Roberts.
Turner removed his mask for the photo and became the subject of criticism. Roberts, a cancer survivor, later noted that he voluntarily sat next to him.
Prior to flying back to L.A., each Dodgers player and coach was tested for the virus. During an appearance on “Good Day LA,” Roberts said he has produced two negative results:
“This is my second round of testing, and negative, negative. There’s a 14-day quarantine that we all have to do. I’m just coming from a place of let’s hope all the players and coaches test negative. Justin gets his test back and he’s negative, and we can move on and celebrate him for what he did for the Dodgers and entire city.”
Every indication thus far is the Dodgers have not experienced more positive test results outside of Turner. Though, that hasn’t stopped MLB from launching an investigation.
“Immediately upon receiving notice from the laboratory of a positive test, protocols were triggered, leading to the removal of Justin Turner from last night’s game,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.
“Turner was placed into isolation for the safety of those around him. However, following the Dodgers’ victory, it is clear that Turner chose to disregard the agreed-upon joint protocols and the instructions he was given regarding the safety and protection of others.
“While a desire to celebrate is understandable, Turner’s decision to leave isolation and enter the field was wrong and put everyone he came in contact with at risk. When MLB Security raised the matter of being on the field with Turner, he emphatically refused to comply.
“The Commissioner’s Office is beginning a full investigation into this matter and will consult with the Players Association within the parameters of the joint 2020 Operations Manual.
The MLB and MLB Players Association are said to be nearing a resolution on the Turner situation.
Blake Treinen defends Turner
In addition to Roberts and Friedman coming to the defense of Turner, Blake Treinen noted the entire Dodgers clubhouse has his back. Treinen alluded to the public not having all the details of the incident, which would explain Turner eventually joining his teammates on the field.
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