:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67699823/1282581458.0.jpg)
During the middle of Game 6 of the 2020 World Series, Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner was removed from the game and replaced by Edwin Rios. It wasn’t until after the Dodgers won the World Series that we found out why.
According to multiple reports, Turner tested positive for COVID-19.
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.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 28, 2020
Turner was replaced by Rios in the top of the eighth inning. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred spoke with Fox Sports immediately after the game, here’s what he had to say about the situation.
“It’s a bittersweet night for us. We’re glad to be done. I do think it’s a great accomplishment by our players to get this season completed. But obviously we’re concerned when any of our players test positive.”
The COVID-19 test that Turner took on Monday reportedly came back as inconclusive during the second inning of Game 6. The lab then ran Turner’s test for Tuesday — and saw it came back positive.
The league informed the Dodgers of Turner’s results mid-game, and he was immediately pulled.
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.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 28, 2020
One correction to what I said on @FS1 about Turner timeline. First result, on the test from yesterday, came back in the second inning, not in the afternoon. His test from earlier today was then expedited, and when it came back positive, he was removed from the game.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 28, 2020
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.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 28, 2020
Turner tweeted the following statement 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
— Justin Turner (@redturn2) October 28, 2020