Yahoo Sports Dodgers mainstay Justin Turner pulled from World Series clincher due to positive COVID-19 test
The Los Angeles Dodgers won a long-awaited World Series on Tuesday night, but not before a very 2020 twist. Dodgers mainstay Justin Turner was pulled from World Series Game 6 in the eighth inning after testing positive for COVID-19.
At the time nobody knew why Turner had left the game, but he wasn’t on the field to celebrate with his teammates after the final out. Shortly after, we learned about his diagnosis.
FOX Sports’ Kevin Burkhardt broke the news while the celebration was still happening on the field. During postgame interviews, Tom Verducci asked commissioner Rob Manfred about the sequence of events. Manfred said Turner was immediately isolated after learning of the positive test to prevent spread.
"After the completion of the game tonight, we were informed by MLB that Justin Turner received a positive COVID test and that's why he was removed from the game." pic.twitter.com/EOxcMlNs5R
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 28, 2020
The Dodgers beat the Rays 3-1 — coming back from a 1-0 deficit —to capture their first World Series win since 1988.
Timeline of Turner’s positive test
If you’re wondering how this could happen during a World Series game, you’re not alone. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported this timeline of tests and results during Game 6:
In the second inning tonight, the lab doing COVID tests informed MLB that Justin Turner’s test from yesterday came back inconclusive. The samples from today had just arrived and were run. It showed up positive. The league immediately called the Dodgers and said to pull Turner.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 28, 2020
Once the trophy-passing and champagne clinking stops, the Turner news will have wide ramifications for the Dodgers and their families in the MLB bubble in Arlington.
When the Dodgers return to their hotel tonight, everybody will be given a rapid PCR test. On the field right now, as they celebrate, the Dodgers are wearing masks. Unclear as to whether they’ll stay in Dallas area before traveling back to Los Angeles. Situation fluid right now.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 28, 2020
Turner celebrates with Dodgers anyway
While his teammates were celebrating on the field, Turner was supposedly isolated. He shared his roller coaster of emotions on Twitter.
Thanks to everyone reaching out! I feel great, no symptoms at all. Just experienced every emotion you can possibly imagine. Can’t believe I couldn’t be out there to celebrate with my guys! So proud of this team & unbelievably happy for the City of LA#WorldSeriesChamps
— Justin Turner (@redturn2) October 28, 2020
But less than 10 minutes later, Turner was on the field celebrating with his Dodgers teammates and even shaking Clayton Kershaw’s hand.
My heart breaks for Turner. Just brutal. pic.twitter.com/CVT9t0U1Rz
— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) October 28, 2020
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) October 28, 2020
Afterward, manager Dave Roberts said in an interview that he didn’t know if anything had changed with Turner’s status, but noted that he didn’t touch Turner.
Dave Roberts tells us what he knows about Justin Turner’s status. pic.twitter.com/x017GoeiOG
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 28, 2020
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