Detroit Tigers pitcher Matt Manning, without intention, hit new Boston Red Sox third baseman Justin Turner with a pitch on Monday.
It wasn’t in the shoulder, leg, or arm: it was in the face.
It was a scary scene, with blood and the player staying on the ground for a few seconds in clear pain.
He immediately left the game and was sent to the hospital for tests.
One of his former employers made sure to check on him after the unfortunate injury.
“Dave Roberts on Justin Turner’s injury today in FL: ‘It was scary. I shot him a text right when it happened. Hopefully he’s fine, haven’t heard since. But that’s just a scary thing for everybody,'” Los Angeles Dodgers insider Fabian Ardaya tweeted.
Dave Roberts on Justin Turner's injury today in FL: "It was scary. I shot him a text right when it happened. Hopefully he's fine, haven't heard since. But that's just a scary thing for everybody."
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) March 6, 2023
It was a nice gesture by Roberts, who was Turner’s manager for several years in Los Angeles.
It shows he cares about his current players, and his former players, too.
Fortunately for Turner, he has already been released from the hospital after getting 16 stitches.
The tests showed no fractures, which is excellent news, but he is not expected back in the lineup anytime soon.
There is a chance he misses the start of the season with the Red Sox, but the possibility of him being ready for Opening Day is also there.
Turner, 38, hit .278/.350/.438 with 13 home runs with the Dodgers last season.
He has been declining for a few years but can still be a respectable, slightly above-average hitter for the Red Sox as they look to return to the postseason.
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