FORT MYERS, FLORIDA (AP) – Boston Red Sox infielder Justin Turner (AP, pic below) needed 16 stitches after he was hit in the face by a pitch during Monday’s spring training game against the Detroit Tigers.
The 38-year-old Turner fell to the ground after getting drilled by right-hander Matt Manning.
Medical personnel rushed to the plate, and Turner was bleeding and had a towel on his face as he walked off the field.
Turner’s wife, Kourtney, posted to Instagram that the infielder had “16 stitches and a lot of swelling but we are thanking God for no fractures and clear scans”.
“He’s receiving treatment for soft tissue injuries, and is being monitored for a concussion,” the Red Sox said in a statement.
“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.”
The two-time All-Star signed a USD15 million, one-year deal with Red Sox during the off-season after spending the past nine years with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He hit .278 with 13 homers and 81 RBIs in 128 games last season.
Turner was also hit in the face by a pitch while attempting to bunt during the 2003 College World Series with Cal State Fullerton.
With his face bloodied and swollen, Turner left the game against Stanford assisted by trainers. He was taken to Bergan Mercy Hospital for precautionary X-rays that revealed no fractures. He also sprained his ankle trying to avoid the pitch.
