Red Sox’s Justin Turner Exits Game After Being Hit in Head by Pitch

Scary scenes for the veteran early on in spring training.

Red Sox infielder Justin Turner was forced to exit Monday’s spring training game early after suffering a scary injury in the first inning. 

During his first at-bat of the game, an errant pitch from Tigers right-hander Matt Manning ran inside and struck Turner directly in the head. The veteran fell to the ground, visibly in pain, and eventually was escorted to the clubhouse by Boston’s medical staff while blood could be seen on his face where he was hit by the pitch. 

According to Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe, the 38-year-old was transported by ambulance to a hospital in the Fort Myers, Fla., area.

The Red Sox subsequently provided an update, revealing that Turner was alert and in relatively good spirits.

“Justin Turner was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation after being hit in the face by a pitch,” the team’s statement began. “He’s receiving treatment for soft tissue injuries, and is being monitored for a concussion. He will undergo further testing, and we’ll update as we have more information. Justin is stable, alert, and in good spirits given the circumstances.”

Turner signed with Boston this offseason after spending the last nine years with the Dodgers. After Los Angeles declined to pick up the option on his contract, Turner hit free agency where he penned a two-year, $21.7 million deal with the Red Sox.

Turner was expected to serve as the Red Sox’s designated hitter in 2023, while also playing some infield on occasion. Those plans may be put on hold temporarily following the gruesome-looking injury he sustained early into spring training.

The Red Sox replaced Turner with Niko Kavadas, who pinch-ran for the injured veteran and took over at first base.