Red Sox infielder Justin Turner was removed from Monday’s spring game after being hit in the face with a pitch, per multiple reports. Turner was able to walk off the field but appeared to be bleeding quite a bit, with a trainer holding a towel to his face. Tom Caron of NESN was among those who shared video of the incident on Twitter, for those who aren’t squeamish and want to view the plate appearance in question. The severity of Turner’s injury isn’t known at this time, but Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe reports that Turner was taken to hospital in an ambulance.
With so little info about the extent of Turner’s injuries, we can’t know what to expect in the near future in terms of an absence. It’s possible that there will be on-field implications for the club at some point, but for now, the primary concern will be his health. Turner has been in the majors for over a decade, is now in his fifth different organization, and seems to be generally respected and beloved throughout the league. There will surely be dozens of people throughout the game holding their breath until more information is forthcoming.
Turner, 38, was a mainstay of the Dodgers for many years. He broke out with that club in 2014 and was with the Dodgers through last year. They could have retained him for 2023 via a $16M club option, but they went for the $2M buyout instead. Turner became a free agent and garnered interest from the Marlins, Diamondbacks and Twins before signing with the Red Sox. The deal is officially for two years and $21.7M, though with a complicated structure. He will make $8.3M this season before deciding between a $13.4M player option for 2024 and a $6.7M buyout. There’s also $1M in potential incentives available to him based on plate appearances, getting $200K for 480, 500, 520, 540 and 560.
Turner has primarily been a third baseman in his career but spent about half his time as the designated hitter for the Dodgers last year. The Red Sox have Rafael Devers at the hot corner and seemed likely to deploy Turner as a DH or perhaps spelling rookie Triston Casas at first base on occasion. Those plans may have to change if Turner is significantly hurt, though the Red Sox and Turner’s many friends throughout the game will be hoping that’s not the case.
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