The Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series celebration was somewhat muted Tuesday night by the news that third baseman Justin Turner tested positive for the coronavirus. The Dodgers learned of his test results during Game 6 against the Tampa Bay Rays at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Per ESPN’s Jeff Passan:
Sources confirm to ESPN that Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner tested positive for COVID-19 and was removed from Game 6 of the World Series. 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. 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.
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After the game, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed Turner’s diagnosis, telling FOX Sports: “It’s a bittersweet night for us.”
Turner tweeted a message to his fans after the game:
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
Despite the positive test, Turner was seen taking a team photo after the game without a mask. Said Dodgers general manager Andrew Friedman: “If there’s people around him without a mask that’s not good optics at all. Now it’s important we all test negative … to make sure we don’t go out and spread this to other people.”
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and third baseman Justin Turner pose for a group picture after the Dodgers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 in Game 6 to win the baseball World Series, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. AP
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