Report: Justin Turner pulled during World Series after positive COVID test originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
Los Angeles Dodgers starting third baseman Justin Turner was removed before the eighth inning of Game 6 of the World Series after a test result came back revealing he tested positive for the coronavirus.
The development was reported during FOX's broadcast in the celebratory moments after the Dodgers' 3-1 clinching victory. The positive test was later confirmed by multiple outlets.
While in a bubble-like environment in Arlington, Texas, MLB's players are tested on a daily basis. In the second inning, MLB had just received Turner's test results from Monday and was inconclusive, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. The lab immediately tested Turner's day-of sample (Tuesday), which came back positive.
Turner was immediately pulled and isolated MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in an on-air interview on FOX's broadcast.
Less than an hour after Turner was taken out of the game, the Dodgers were out on the field celebrating with each other after winning the team's first World Series title since 1988.
Turner played the first seven innings of the ballgame at the hot corner, going 0-for-3 at the plate. Enrique Hernández replaced the 35-year-old to start off the defensive half of the second-to-last inning for LA.
Turner posted on Twitter after the game that he is not experiencing any symptoms and is feeling great.
Later in the celebration, Turner was seen on the field for team photos and in moments without a mask.
While on the field, players are generally in a position that would be considered social distancing except interactions at each base. The most common interaction being between batters and catchers. Bench coaches are required to wear masks but the players are not unless they chose to do so.
The positive test is the first known case in MLB since well before the postseason began. The last reported COVID case in the sport dates back to the end of August.
This is a developing story, stay connected to NBC Sports Washington for more information.
