Turner leaves game after getting hit in head by pitch
Needed 16 stitches after injury
Monday’s Red Sox-Tigers game began with a terrifying moment in the bottom of the first inning.
Batting third in the lineup, Justin Turner was hit in the face by the first pitch from right-hander Matt Manning and fell down, blood pouring from his face.
Turner was able to stand and walk off the field with a trainer, but kept a towel over his face as he headed straight down the tunnel to the clubhouse.
Niko Kavadas, the organization’s 2022 Minor League Player of the Year, replaced Turner at first. Kiké Hernández (leadoff single) and Rafael Devers (walk) were already on base.
According to Pete Abraham
of the Boston Globe, the veteran infielder was taken to a local hospital in an ambulance.
The Red Sox provided an update about an hour later:
“Justin Turner was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation after being hit in the face by a pitch. He’s receiving treatment for soft tissue injuries, and is being monitored for a concussion. 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.”
Postgame, Alex Cora reiterated that Turner is alert and in good spirits. Still, “Anything that is above the head, is above the shoulders, it’s always scary,” he told reporters. “There was a lot of blood there.”
Shortly after 6 p.m. Monday,
Turner’s wife, Kourtney, provided an update.
“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!,” she posted to her Instagram Stories. Her husband reposted the message.
Turner, who’s expected to be the everyday designated hitter and play some first and third, joined the Red Sox on a one-year, $15 million guaranteed contract with a player option for 2024.