Justin Turner assured fans he was OK after the Dodgers won the World Series, but Major League Baseball should be in hot water.
Of course the Los Angeles Dodgers couldn’t enjoy their first World Series win in 32 years without some sort of monumental distraction that will take away from the accomplishment.
Justin Turner was removed during the ninth inning of Game 6 on Tuesday night, which ended up being the clincher for LA. We weren’t sure why at first, but shortly after it was reported Turner had tested positive for COVID-19 after the results from his pregame test were revealed.
Wait a minute. Why was he even in the game if he hadn’t received the results … especially after his test from Monday had come back inconclusive?
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
Now it makes sense why Rob Manfred was slurring his words after the game when presenting Corey Seager with the MVP award. Perhaps he cracked open the bourbon once he learned of the situation, because this is a terrible look for Major League Baseball. We’d love an explanation, but you know we’re not going to get one. Why? We’ll get to that in a moment.
The good news is that Turner is feeling OK and tweeted to his fans 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
We could’ve told you that moments later, however, because Turner was on the field celebrating with his teammates and holding the Commissioner’s Trophy. How is this allowed?
My heart breaks for Turner. Just brutal. pic.twitter.com/CVT9t0U1Rz
— AlaNNa Rizzo (@alannarizzo) October 28, 2020
Our hearts should be broken because Turner is celebrating on the field with his teammates despite the fact he’s tested positive for COVID-19? We’re not following.
Wait! It gets better. He took a picture sitting next to manager Dave Roberts, who is a cancer survivor, without a mask on. We get that the Dodgers just won a title and wanted to take a team picture, but maybe don’t seat him next to an at-risk candidate like that? I mean, look at Andrew Friedman on the right trying to keep his distance. That hunk of metal isn’t going to save you!
Dave Roberts is right next to Justin Turner, who tested positive for COVID, and neither of them are wearing masks. Nobody is wearing a mask. This is preposterous. https://t.co/YvNtvSLFwi
— Nick Stellini (@StelliniTweets) October 28, 2020
AND THEN HE KISSED HIS GIRLFRIEND. ON LIVE TELEVISION.
— Rich (@RAKcity27) October 28, 2020
Utterly absurd, no matter which way you look at it. But it’s no surprise because MLB’s last order of business before starting the 2020 season was establishing safety protocols, which clearly weren’t effective at the onset since outbreaks on the Marlins and Cardinals put the year in jeopardy for longer than we would have liked. Why worry about keeping everyone in line with a set of precautions to preserve health and keep the campaign on track? It’s better to focus on trying not to pay the players 100% of their prorated salaries. Priorities.
Though MLB hadn’t had a positive COVID-19 test in months, that streak was just erased and stomped into the ground by the series of events we just witnessed on Tuesday night. Hopefully Manfred isn’t too hungover to explain himself tomorrow.

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