Feb 15, 2023; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Justin Turner (2) participates in spring training workouts at Fenway South Player Development Complex. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Spring Training-Boston Red Sox Workouts
(New York, NY) — Red Sox newly acquired Justin Turner has escaped serious injury after getting hit the face with a pitch during a Spring Training game.
Manager Alex Cora who spoke to reporters on Friday said that the club is “shooting” for Justin Turner (face) to be ready for Opening Day.
“He walked on the treadmill (Thursday), felt good, same deal (Friday),” Cora said. “Just add a little more and take it day by day. We got plenty of time. The hope is for him to be with us right away and we’ll shoot for that. He’s in good spirits. We were texting (Thursday) night and (he’s) feeling better. … So far, so good.”
Turner required 16 stitches after Tigers starting pitcher Matthew Manning hit him in the face by a pitch during a Grapefruit League game on Monday. Fortunately, there were no fractures and scans came back clean, but he can’t resume baseball activities until the stitches come out.
Turner’s wife, Kourtney, provided an update on her Instagram story.
“Thank you to everyone that reached out about Justin and sent prayers,” Kourtney wrote. “We’re home now and he’s resting (okay – maybe listening to the replay of the game).”
With the season less than three weeks away, Turner’s Opening Day status will likely come down to the buzzer. The Sox open the year vs. the Orioles at Fenway Park.
