L.A. Dodgers Win World Series, Justin Turner Pulled After Positive COVID Test
L.A. Dodgers World Series Champs!!! But Justin Turner Pulled After Positive COVID Test
9:57 PM PT -- Guess he wasn't immediately quarantined after all ... because after the game Justin Turner was spotted on the field and HOLDING THE TROPHY!!!!
He was also seen hugging Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw. Later, he was seen walking around WITHOUT a mask and chatting with other people on the field.
My heart breaks for Turner. Just brutal. pic.twitter.com/CVT9t0U1Rz
— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) October 28, 2020 @alannarizzo
In fact, Turner joined the rest of the squad for a team picture -- and pulled down his mask while sitting next to Manager Dave Roberts.
Justin Turner returns to the field for the team picture. pic.twitter.com/NmXBbU7Mo7
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 28, 2020 @MLBONFOX
Wild Tuesday night for the L.A. Dodgers -- they won the World Series and also ignited major COVID concerns after Justin Turner tested positive DURING THE GAME!!
The Dodgers star 3rd baseman was pulled from the game in the 7th inning -- but nobody knew why at first.
It was later revealed 35-year-old Turner had taken a COVID test that came back inconclusive on Monday. He was re-tested on Tuesday -- and that test came back positive.
As soon as the lab got the results from the Tuesday test, they informed MLB. An MLB official immediately called the Dodgers and ordered them to pull Turner, but it was already the 7th inning.
The Dodgers went on to win the game 3-1, thanks to some solid hitting from Mookie Betts.
But, as the players stormed the field to celebrate, Turner was nowhere to be found ... already in quarantine because of the COVID test.
After the game, Commissioner Rob Manfred explained ... "We learned during the game that Justin was positive. He was immediately isolated to prevent spread."
Turner did not celebrate with the team on the field -- but now there are new concerns about possible exposure to other players, coaches, staffers, etc.
ESPN's Jeff Passan reports ... when the Dodgers return to the team hotel, everyone will take a rapid PCR test. Passan says it's unclear if the COVID news means the team will stay in Dallas ... or if they will try to travel back to L.A. Passan says the situation is "fluid."
But, the question ... how many people could have been exposed in the 8 innings Turner played on Tuesday before he was yanked??
This could be a huge problem ...
Turner later tweeted about the situation -- saying, "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."
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 @redturn2
As for the game itself, the Dodgers battled back from a 1-0 deficit and took a 2-1 lead in the 6th inning. Mookie Betts extended the lead with a solo HR in the top of the 9th.
Final score, 3-1 ... clinching the series for L.A., 4 games to 2.
The final out. #WorldSeries pic.twitter.com/d0rOut8iJN
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 28, 2020 @Dodgers
Corey Seager was named World Series MVP.
It's the first World Series title for longtime Dodgers stars like Clayton Kershaw, Justin Turner, Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger and company.
Dodgers co-owner Magic Johnson was on hand in Dallas and was going crazy when the Dodgers won. Awesome moment!
'55, '59, '63, '65, '81, '88, and now 2020.
— Vin Scully (@TheVinScully) October 28, 2020 @TheVinScully
What a year. What a season. What a team.
Congratulations @Dodgers
The Blue Crew had made it to the World Series in 3 of the last 4 years -- but lost to the cheating Houston Astros in 2017 and then the Boston Red Sox in 2018.
But, this was L.A.'s year ... the pitching, the hitting -- even the coaching was top notch. Shout-out Dave Roberts.
As we previously reported, the L.A. Lakers have postponed their victory parade until they get the all-clear from L.A. City and County officials due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It's likely the Dodgers will follow suit.
Man can we PLEASE have a parade!!! I know I know we can’t but DAMN I wanna celebrate with our @Lakers & @Dodgers fans!!! LA is the city of CHAMPIONS 🏆🏆
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 28, 2020 @KingJames
In the meantime, CONGRATS and get well soon, Justin Turner!
Originally Published -- 8:38 PM PT