Oct 31, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers player Justin Turner at the Roberto Clemente Award press conference before game three of the 2022 World Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Houston Astros at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: World Series-Houston Astros at Philadelphia Phillies
(New York, NY) — Talk about saving face (literally).
Only after being hit in the face by a pitch less than two weeks ago,Boston Red Sox’ Justin Turner (face) is back in the Red Sox’ lineup for Monday’s Grapefruit League showdown against the Pirates.
It’s a relief for the Red Sox and fantasy managers that Turner avoided a serious injury when he was struck in the face by a fastball earlier this month. The 38-year-old veteran slugger has returned to spring training action and should be ready next week for Opening Day.
Turner required 16 stitches after getting drilled early last week in a spring game by Detroit Tigers right-hander Matt Manning. He was rushed to the hospital after he collapsed and bled on the field. But aside from patching up his face, there are no other serious injury concerns. All signs point to him being 100% ready to go come Opening Day.
The 38-year-old inked a one-year, $15-million deal with the Red Sox in December after spending the past nine seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He’s is expected to be the club’s primary DH and will also play first base. He’s got hitting splits of .289/.366/.466 over a 14-year career. His peak power days at the plate are probably behind him, but the potential leadership in the locker room is a solid intangible.
