Turner back in batter’s box
FORT MYERS, Fla. — For the first time since he required 16 stitches after taking a fastball in the face March 6, Justin Turner stepped into a batter’s box against a pitcher Friday.
The circumstances were controlled, with Turner tracking pitches rather than swinging at offerings from teammates Nick Pivetta and Garrett Whitlock during their bullpen sessions. Even so, it was a meaningful step forward and a potential prelude to hitting on the field Saturday and a return to games Monday.
“Obviously I want to get out there as soon as I can,” said Turner. “So [I’m] just making sure I check all the boxes with the staff, the training staff and the strength guys. As soon as they say go, I’ll be ready to get back out there.”
One impediment to Turner’s return had been the team’s desire for the designated hitter/corner infielder to stay out of the sun while the scar on his lip healed.
“Essentially, what I was told is the biggest effect on long-term scarring is being in the sun for many hours,” said Turner. “So that’s what I’m trying to avoid, and they’re also trying to make sure it fully closes and heals up before I get extended exposure. But I’m sure I’ll have something on it, something covering it up. I’ll look like a lifeguard maybe.”
In addition to the healing scar on his lip and a black eye, the frightening HBP has altered one other aspect of Turner’s on-field appearance: When tracking pitches Friday, he wore a protective “C-flap” on his batting helmet — something other players employ but Turner has resisted.
Long-term plans?: In January first baseman Triston Casas expressed his openness to a long-term deal with the Red Sox. Two months later the baseball calendar is at a point where such deals sometimes come to fruition.
In recent days catcher Keibert Ruiz, with just over a year of big-league service time, inked an eight-year, $50 million deal with the Nationals, while rookie outfielder Corbin Carroll received an eight-year, $111 million deal from the Diamondbacks.
Back in camp: Third baseman Rafael Devers (Dominican Republic), left-hander Richard Bleier (Israel), and catcher Jorge Alfaro (Colombia) rejoined the Red Sox after their teams were eliminated from the World Baseball Classic. Infielder Yu Chang continues to work through visa issues but is expected soon. … With Kiké Hernández (Puerto Rico) and Chang gone, Bobby Dalbec started his third straight game at shortstop Friday and went 1-for-3 with a triple.
Getting in the game: Righthander Brayan Bello is expected to pitch a pair of innings against the Phillies in Clearwater on Sunday, his first game action of the spring. … Connor Wong (hamstring) could return by the end of next week.