MLB commissioner miffed after COVID-positive Justin Turner left World Series isolation
Major League Baseball will investigate what led to third baseman Justin Turner returning to the field to partake in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series celebration even though he had tested positive for COVID-19 and was supposed to be in isolation.
Something was clearly amiss in the eighth inning of Game 6 when Turner didn’t take the field. There’s no way manager Dave Roberts would remove one of the team’s best players in a one-run game unless he had no choice.
He didn’t.
Turner had tested positive for COVID-19 despite being asymptomatic. His first test sample earlier in the day came back inconclusive. A second test came back positive during the game, and MLB told the Dodgers that Turner had to leave the game immediately and be isolated at Globe Life Field.
However, after the Dodgers clinched their first World Series title since 1988, Turner left isolation to join his teammates. He wore a mask except for a team photo in which no Dodgers players work any facial coverings.
MLB also alleged that Turner refused MLB securities attempts to remove him from the field.
It isn’t clear how long Turner was without a mask and if his presence was welcomed by players and staff. It’s also unclear if he acted on his own or if he sought permission from a team physician or his teammates.
What is clear is that commissioner Rob Manfred is ticked, as Turner’s presence on the field detracted from a tightly contested World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
“Following the Dodgers’ victory, it is clear that Turner chose to disregard the agreed-upon joint protocols and the instructions he was given regarding the safety and protection of others,” the statement read. “While a desire to celebrate is understandable, Turner’s decision to leave isolation and enter the field was wrong and put everyone he came in contact with at risk. When MLB Security raised the matter of being on the field with Turner, he emphatically refused to comply.
“The Commissioner’s Office is beginning a full investigation into this matter and will consult with the Players Association within the parameters of the joint 2020 Operations Manual.“
Afterward, his teammates didn’t know what had happened, but they weren’t happy to not have Turner with them to celebrate immediately following a 3-1 victory and World Series title that was four seasons in the making.
“You don’t even really know what to ask. We don’t know what to ask,” said shortstop Corey Seager, the series MVP. “To have that happen to a guy like that, a dude that reinvented himself for this organization ... it’s gut-wrenching.
“That man more than anybody deserves to celebrate with us. That’s not right, and that doesn’t sit well with me. To not have him there to finish it an accomplish what we did, that hurt. That hurts a lot.”
Turner took to social media to let fans know how he was feeling.
“Thanks to everyone reaching out,” he wrote on Twitter. “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.”
Neither Turner nor the Dodgers had issued a response to MLB’s statement.
As the Dodgers’ celebration carried on well after the game, many players, coaches, executives and family members wore facial coverings. So did journalists on the field, the grounds crew and Manfred, who had to hand out the World Series and MVP trophies.
The Dodgers’ traveling team took nasal-swab tests upon returning to the bubble hotel, and did so again Wednesday along with Rays players. Dodgers players who had been cleared were returning to Los Angeles on their own, though test results were unclear Wednesday afternoon.
Turner was the first MLB player to test positive in 59 days.
MLB was hoping the bubble and a rushed schedule would help prevent a COVID-19 outbreak that would derail the postseason.
Baseball escaped just in time.
This story was originally published October 28, 2020 at 12:26 AM.
