Dodgers' Justin Turner seen on field after World Series win without mask after positive COVID-19 test
No players had tested positive for COVID-19 in 6 weeks before Turner
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner was seen without a face mask after his team's World Series win Tuesday, despite learning he tested positive for the novel coronavirus, according to reports.
Turner was removed from Game 6 two innings before the team put the game away Tuesday night.
It was revealed before the Dodgers’ celebration that Turner had tested positive for COVID-19 and was subsequently removed from the game. He was the first positive test in MLB in six weeks.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}“After the completion of the game tonight we were informed by Major League Baseball that Justin Turner received a positive COVID test that’s why he was removed from the game. We have no other details at this time,” Fox Sports Kevin Burkhardt said from his studio.
Turner returned to Globe Life Field wearing a mask to celebrate with his teammates, but appeared to remove the face-covering during a team photo.
DODGERS WIN THEIR FIRST WORLD SERIES TITLE SINCE 1988
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}His decision to come back on the field appeared to contradict MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, who said Turner was "immediately isolated to prevent the spread."
After the game, Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts defended Turner for returning to the field to join his teammates.
"He's part of the team," Betts said, according to ESPN. "Forget all that, he's part of the team. We're not excluding him from anything."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Dodgers' president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, remarked how he hadn't seen the photo of Turner sitting next to his teammates and coaches.
"If there's people around him without a mask that's not good optics at all," Friedman added.
Turner told followers on Twitter he was feeling fine after being taken out.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"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," he wrote.
The Dodgers were told in the second inning that Turner's test from yesterday was inconclusive and his results came back positive after they arrived which returned a positive result, ESPN reported. The Dodgers will reportedly have to wear masks during their celebration and take rapid PCR tests when they get back to the hotel. The team did not respond to an email from Fox News seeking comment.
Turner was substituted for Kike Hernandez in the game. Hernandez was moved to second base and Edwin Rios, who replaced Joc Pederson, was moved to third base. Chris Taylor was moved to right field.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}BLAKE SNELL UNHAPPY ABOUT BEING TAKEN OUT IN 6TH INNING, RAYS SURRENDER GAME 6 LEAD
The Dodgers have yet to officially comment on Turner’s removal from the game. Manager Dave Roberts thanked Turner during his postgame speech.
The win over the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 6 gave the Dodgers their first World Series title since 1988 and seventh title in franchise history.
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Turner, a third baseman, is in his seventh season with the Dodgers. The 35-year-old was acquired by Los Angeles from the New York Mets before the start of the 2014 season. He’s earned one All-Star appearance in that span.