Dodgers' Justin Turner Receives No Punishment After World Series Celebration
Nov 6, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and third baseman Justin Turner pose for a group picture after the Dodgers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 in Game 6 to win the baseball World Series, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Major League Baseball has opted not to punish Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner for taking part in his team's on-field celebration of its World Series-clinching victory Oct. 27 despite learning he had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier that evening.
The league released a statement about the decision Friday:
Major League Baseball has completed its investigation of the events following the Los Angeles Dodgers Victory in Game Six of the World Series. The following statements from MLB, Justin Turner, and the Dodgers were released today. pic.twitter.com/cVu1E6g7lT
MLB previously commented on the matter the day following the clinching game, condemning Turner's actions and noting that the commissioner's office would be starting a "full investigation" into the matter and consulting with the Major League Baseball Players Association as well.
Turner went 0-for-3 and played the first seven innings in the field during his team's 3-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 6 of the World Series. He was pulled before the top of the eighth for Enrique Hernandez, though no explanation was given as to why.
After the game, MLB announced it learned mid-game that the 35-year-old tested positive for COVID-19 and that he had to be pulled from the contest.
"After the completion of the game tonight, we were informed by MLB that Justin Turner received a positive COVID test and that's why he was removed from the game." pic.twitter.com/EOxcMlNs5R
Turner announced postgame that he was asymptomatic:
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
Stephanie Apstein of Sports Illustrated painted a picture of what went down afterward:
"Turner was placed in an examination room, where his wife, Kourtney, joined him. He was told he was now in isolation. Then the Dodgers won their first title in 32 years, and he decided to join his teammates on the field, potentially exposing the virus to dozens of people the league had claimed it could protect.
"SI's Tom Verducci reported MLB security personnel informed Turner he should remain in isolation, but as one source told Verducci, 'He just basically said '[expletive] it, I'm going out there.'"
Turner, a 12-year MLB veteran, has played with the Dodgers since 2014. He's hit .302 in his seven years with L.A. and tied Corey Seager for a team-high .307 batting average for the World Series champs.
Dodgers' Cody Bellinger Featured in Assassin's Creed Valhalla Video Game
Nov 4, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers' Cody Bellinger walks during the seventh inning in Game 4 of a baseball National League Championship Series against the Atlanta Braves Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Baseball fans who purchase the new Assassin's Creed video game may notice a familiar swing from one of the Viking characters.
Los Angeles Dodgers star—and newly crowned World Series champion—Cody Bellinger has been digitally rendered into the latest chapter of the popular video game series, Assassin's Creed Valhalla.
Catch real life baseball MVP, @Cody_Bellinger , in Assassins Creed Valhalla as Otta Sluggasson a Dane with a knack for hitting rocks very, very far.
Bellinger tweeted the news Wednesday. The center fielder apparently worked with game designers at Ubisoft earlier this year, with the production company using motion capture tools to record Bellinger's swing.
He'll portray the character Otta Sluggasson—and as the name suggests, Bellinger's knack for hitting will come in handy.
Bellinger slashed .239/.333/.455 with 12 home runs and 30 RBI in 2020. He won the National League MVP Award in 2019 when he hit 47 homers with 115 RBI and slashed .305/.406/.629. Gamers will want to keep that power in mind when the volume is released November 10.
Nolan Arenado Unsure of Future with Rockies, Says He Wants to Play for Winner
Nov 4, 2020
Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) in the seventh inning of a baseball game Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado said Tuesday he's unsure what the future holds with a decision looming about whether to opt out of the rest of his eight-year, $260 million contract he signed in 2019 after the 2021 MLB season.
"I don't know what's gonna happen," Arenado told ESPN's Karl Ravech. "I think this year will be interesting. I'm hopeful that wherever—I wanna play for a winner. If that's in Colorado, that's great. And, at the end of the day, that's what it's all about: I just wanna win."
Arenado has been a foundational piece for the Rockies since he made his debut in 2013. He ranks fourth among all third basemen in WAR (32.2) over the past eight years, perFanGraphs.
The 29-year-old California native is also one of the league's best defenders having just won his eighth consecutive Gold Glove Award.
Colorado hasn't been able to build a consistent winner around him, though. It's reached the playoffs just twice during his career and hasn't advanced beyond the Division Series.
The Rockies posted a 26-34 record during the coronavirus-shortened 2020 campaign. Their minus-78 run differential was the second-worst mark in the National League ahead of only the Pittsburgh Pirates (-79).
Barring a couple of blockbuster offseason moves, they'll likely enter next season well behind the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres in the projected NL West standings. That still leaves a path to the postseason, but it looks like a narrow one on paper.
The other factor is the uncertain economics of the eventual post-COVID-19 world in MLB. This winter may provide some hints about whether free agents are taking a major hit in the size of contracts they receive, which Arenado will have to consider with five years and $164 million left on his deal after 2021.
That said, if the five-time All-Star's main focus is winning, Colorado will be a tough sell.
The reigning champion Dodgers aren't going anywhere in the immediate future and the Padres are a team on the rise after their impressive breakout in 2020. There would be a lot of clubs that would love the third baseman's all-around ability that could provide him with a better chance to chase a title.
At minimum, Arenado's comments put additional pressure on the Rockies' front office to make some moves to alter the team's short-term outlook.
Dodgers' Loaded Roster Primed to Buck MLB Trends, Repeat as World Series Champs
Oct 30, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts celebrates his RBI single against the Tampa Bay Rays during the fourth inning in Game 3 of the baseball World Series Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Winning the World Series is hard. Just ask the Los Angeles Dodgers, who waited 32 years between their 1988 title and the one they clinched on Tuesday over the Tampa Bay Rays.
Winning more than one World Series in a row? Based on recent history, that's downright Herculean.
After the Yanks' three-peat, a trio of teams have won multiple Commissioner's Trophies: the Boston Red Sox (2004, '07, '13 and '18), the St. Louis Cardinals (2006, '11) and the San Francisco Giants ('10, '12, '14). But no franchise has gone back-to-back.
Can the Dodgers buck the trend? That remains to be seen.
An offseason of trades, free-agent signings and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will shape the 2021 campaign in difficult-to-predict ways. Once the '21 season begins, the vagaries of fate will assume command.
That said, Los Angeles is uniquely equipped to end baseball's repeat-champion drought for three major reasons.
Let's explore them.
Reason No. 1: A Loaded Roster, Deep Farm System and Nearly Bottomless Pockets
OK, technically that's three reasons. But they're inextricably linked.
The Dodgers will retain most of their 2020 squad. National League MVP hopeful Mookie Betts, 2019 NL MVP Cody Bellinger and 2020 World Series MVP Corey Seager form a potent offensive triumvirate and all are on the correct side of 30.
In the starting rotation, emerging aces Walker Buehler, Dustin May and Julio Urias join still-effective three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw.
Important contributors such as third baseman Justin Turner, utility man Enrique Hernandez and relievers Pedro Baez and Blake Treinen could bolt via free agency. But Los Angeles has the resources to retain or replace them.
The massive-market Dodgers boasted MLB's No. 3 payroll in 2020. Re-upping Baez and Treinen is doable, as is signing bullpen arms such as Liam Hendriks, Brandon Workman and Ken Giles.
Los Angeles has a deep farm system we ranked No. 12 after the 2020 trade deadline. Righty Brusdar Graterol graduated to an essential bullpen role and Gavin Lux may be the future at second base. But L.A. could dangle its enticing young talent for the right trade target.
That includes shortstop Francisco Lindor. The four-time All-Star is entering his age-27 go-round and has been linked to the Dodgers. He'll be a free agent after the 2021 season unless he's signed to an extension.
Penny-pinching Cleveland almost assuredly can't afford to extend Lindor. But the Dodgers proved with Betts that they're willing and able to reel in a superstar and lock him up for the long haul.
The Dodgers don't need Lindor to repeat. But his five-tool abilities wouldn't hurt their cause.
The bottom line is this: Los Angeles has the cash, prospects and incumbent weapons to put forth a powerhouse in '21.
Reason No. 2: A Relatively Soft National League
The San Diego Padres added pieces at the 2020 trade deadline and feature the dynamic twosome of Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado.
After dispatching the Friars in a division series sweep, Los Angeles fell behind 3-1 in its NLCS tussle with NL East champion Atlanta before roaring back to win the pennant.
San Diego and Atlanta ought to be worthy foes in 2021. The rest of the Senior Circuit, however, is a muddled mess.
Other than the Pittsburgh Pirates, few NL clubs look like surefire non-factors. But with parity, often, comes widespread mediocrity.
Los Angeles won't coast to a repeat National League title in '21. But it may not face a gauntlet of top-shelf challengers, either.
Reason No. 3: A Chip on Their Shoulder
After waiting more than 30 years, the Dodgers got the monkey off their back. Yet there's an asterisk attached to their trophy in the eyes of some.
Los Angeles finished the regular season with a .717 winning percentage. Over a full 162-game slate, that would have translated to 116 wins, which would have tied L.A. with the 1906 Chicago Cubs and 2001 Seattle Mariners for the most victories all-time.
But the Dodgers only played 60 regular-season contests. Fair or not, their 2020 title will be judged against the backdrop of a truncated season.
That should give the Dodgers extra motivation to prove this was no fluke.
Winning it all again in 2021 won't merely make them the first repeat champs in more than 20 years. It will give retroactive credibility to their '20 title.
And it will prove they're up for a Herculean task.
9-Year-Old Giants Fan Given 25K Baseball Cards After Losing Collection in Fire
Oct 29, 2020
A baseball fan looks through his card collection for an Antonio Bastardo card during batting practice of a spring training exhibition baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles in Bradenton, Fla., Tuesday, March 24, 2015. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Reese Osterberg, a nine-year-old San Francisco Giants fan, was gifted 25,000 baseball cards after her collection was lost in the Creek wildfire burning in Fresno and Madera counties in California.
Amy Osterberg, Reese's mom, told Shayna Rubin of the Bay Area News Group her daughter had built a collection of around 200 cards over the past three years, including three showcasing Giants catcher Buster Posey that had become her prized possessions.
"She loves learning about the players," Amy said. "She loves talking about the players."
Reese wrote a letter to Posey after losing her collection, which went viral and caught the attention of Kevin Ashford, a longtime card collector from San Jose.
Ashford originally planned to sell the mountain of cards, but the story changed his mind, per Garvin Thomas of NBC Bay Area.
"I got to thinking about what I had in the garage," Ashford said. "I thought, you know, what if instead of selling them on eBay, I'm going to donate them. I'm gonna donate them all and put a smile on a little girl's face."
Reese is planning to keep some of the cards to restart her collection, but she's hoping to share others with members of the community who've also lost personal items because of the wildfire, her mother told Rubin.
"It would be fun for them to do after everything that's happened," Amy said. "I know for Reese, she's super excited about sharing all of them."
She added the cards have provided a sense of normalcy as the family lives at Reese's grandparents house in wake of losing their home.
World Series 2020: Dodgers Trophy Celebration Highlights, Comments and More
Oct 29, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrates with the trophy after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 to win the baseball World Series in Game 6 Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 on Tuesday in Game 6 of the World Series to clinch their first championship since 1988.
While things were perhaps a bit more subdued than usual because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent precautions that had to be taken, the Dodgers still took part in a fairly raucous celebration after pitcher Julio Urias recorded the final out:
Although the regular season was only 60 games because of the pandemic, the Dodgers still had to earn their first title in 32 years, as they had few off days during the regular season and had to win four series during the playoffs.
During the Commissioner's Trophy celebration, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts discussed the belief the team had that it would finally win a World Series:
Winning the World Series was huge for every player on the roster, but it is likely that nobody breathed a bigger sigh of relief that starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw.
Despite being a three-time Cy Young Award winner, Kershaw has faced scrutiny over the years for his playoff performances. Kershaw silenced the doubters with two wins in the 2020 World Series and talked about what it meant to him to finally be a champion:
"World Series Champs! They can't take that away!"@ClaytonKersh22 joins the show & describes what it's like to FINALLY win a World Series 🏆 pic.twitter.com/8F4keHQA2J
While Kershaw was very much in the World Series MVP running, that honor went to shortstop Corey Seager, who swung a red-hot bat throughout the playoffs and hit .400 with two home runs and five RBI during the Fall Classic:
Although winning the World Series for the first time since 1988 was a great moment for the Dodgers and Major League Baseball as a whole, it didn't come without some controversy.
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner was pulled from Game 6 of the World Series after the team was informed by MLB that his COVID-19 test taken earlier that day came back positive. Turner was reportedly asked to isolate after the game, but he returned to the field and celebrated with his teammates:
Here’s an exclusive look at Justin Turner celebrating on the field after testing positive for COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/EvhQqFUw35
MLB released a strongly worded statement regarding Turner's decision to go on the field despite knowing he had tested positive for COVID-19:
"Immediately upon receiving notice from the laboratory of a positive test, protocols were triggered, leading to the removal of Justin Turner from last night's game. Turner was placed into isolation for the safety of those around him. However, following the Dodgers' victory, it is clear that Turner chose to disregard the agreed-upon joint protocols and the instructions he was given regarding the safety and protection of others. While a desire to celebrate is understandable, Turner's decision to leave isolation and enter the field was wrong and put everyone he came in contact with at risk. When MLB Security raised the matter of being on the field with Turner, he emphatically refused to comply."
When told that Turner and some of those around him were seen without masks during the celebration, Dodgers general manager Andrew Friedman called it "not good optics at all."
Turner is set to become a free agent this offseason, meaning the World Series celebration may have been the 35-year-old's final act as a member of the Dodgers.
Justin Turner, Dodgers Advised by LA Health Dept. After Positive COVID-19 Test
Oct 29, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and third baseman Justin Turner pose for a group picture after the Dodgers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 in Game 6 to win the baseball World Series, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
The Los Angeles County Health Department has advised Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner and all Dodgers players and staff members who were in close contact with Turner to quarantine for 14 days.
According to TMZ Sports, L.A. County Health Department officials said they are "working closely" with the Dodgers and told them anyone who has contacted Turner "for 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period must quarantine for 14 days."
ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that a COVID-19 test taken by Turner on Monday came back inconclusive during the second inning of Game 6 of the World Series on Tuesday. As a result, the lab expedited Turner's test from Tuesday and discovered that it came back positive.
The Dodgers were notified of the positive test by Major League Baseball during the eighth inning of Game 6, and they pulled Turner from the game at that point.
L.A. went on to win the game 3-1 to win its first World Series championship since 1988. Despite the fact that Turner was asked to isolate, he took to the field after the game to celebrate with his teammates:
Here’s an exclusive look at Justin Turner celebrating on the field after testing positive for COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/EvhQqFUw35
Per ESPN, MLB released the following statement regarding Turner's decision to violate the protocols that were put in place:
"Immediately upon receiving notice from the laboratory of a positive test, protocols were triggered, leading to the removal of Justin Turner from last night's game. Turner was placed into isolation for the safety of those around him. However, following the Dodgers' victory, it is clear that Turner chose to disregard the agreed-upon joint protocols and the instructions he was given regarding the safety and protection of others. While a desire to celebrate is understandable, Turner's decision to leave isolation and enter the field was wrong and put everyone he came in contact with at risk. When MLB Security raised the matter of being on the field with Turner, he emphatically refused to comply."
Turner was the first and only player to test positive for COVID-19 during the MLB postseason, the last three rounds of which were played in bubbles, and it occurred in the final game.
Per TMZ Sports, the Dodgers boarded a plane and flew from Arlington, Texas, to Los Angeles on Wednesday, meaning those required to quarantine will be able to do so in their home market.
Dodgers' Max Muncy Trolls Rob Manfred with World Series Trophy Post on Instagram
Oct 28, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers' Max Muncy celebrates a home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the fifth inning in Game 5 of the baseball World Series Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Apparently, the limited fans in attendance for Tuesday's World Series celebration directing boos at Rob Manfred wasn't the end of the ridicule for Major League Baseball's commissioner.
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Max Muncy trolled Manfred when he posted a picture of himself holding the World Series trophy on his Instagram page with the caption "What a nice piece of metal."
It was a reference to Manfred's infamous comments that came in February when he was explaining his decision not to strip the Houston Astros of their 2017 World Series title—which just so happened to come against the Dodgers—as a punishment for their sign-stealing scandal.
"The idea of an asterisk or asking for a piece of metal back seems like a futile act," he told ESPN's Karl Ravech. "People will always know that something was different about the 2017 season, and whether we made that decision right or wrong, we undertook a thorough investigation, and had the intestinal fortitude to share the results of that investigation, even when those results were not very pretty."
If Muncy's post is any indication, the comments must have stuck with the Dodgers.
Outfielder Cody Bellinger appeared to take issue with Manfred's description of the trophy as well when he said it "means you've completed something that you set out to do your whole life" in February, per Pedro Moura of The Athletic.
Manfred eventually apologized for the remark, but it remained a storyline as Los Angeles won its first piece of metal signifying a championship since 1988.
Dodgers Break Cubs, Lakers, Eagles Merchandise Sales Records After World Series
Oct 28, 2020
Baseball fans celebrate downtown after the Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series over the Tampa Bay Rays Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
After defeating the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday to become World Series champions for the first time since 1988, the Los Angeles Dodgers earned another title hours later.
Fanatics executive chairman Michael Rubin tweeted Wednesday that the Dodgers set a record for championship merchandise sales in the first eight hours, breaking records set by the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia Eagles.
The Dodgers' seventh title followed a significant drought, even after two trips to the Fall Classic in the previous three seasons, but it wasn't nearly as long as the one the Cubs endured. When the Cubs won the 2016 World Series, it had been 108 years since their last win in 1908.
The year after the Cubs won that World Series, the Eagles won their first Super Bowl.
The Lakers' record was more recent following their title win earlier this month. Even after shelling out for that merchandise, though, Los Angeles fans are apparently enthusiastic about supporting their baseball team too.
Dodgers' Justin Turner Investigated by MLB for Breaching COVID-19 Protocols
Oct 28, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and third baseman Justin Turner pose for a group picture after the Dodgers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 in Game 6 to win the baseball World Series, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred issued a critical statement of Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner, who came onto the field to celebrate with teammates despite testing positive for COVID-19.
"Following the Dodgers' victory, it is clear that Turner chose to disregard the agreed-upon joint protocols and the instructions he was given regarding the safety and protection of others," MLB said in a statement Wednesday.
"While a desire to celebrate is understandable, Turner's decision to leave isolation and enter the field was wrong and put everyone he came in contact with at risk. When MLB security raised the matter of being on the field with Turner, he emphatically refused to comply."
Major League Baseball was informed of Turner's positive test partway through the Dodgers' 3-1 Game 6 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays at Globe Life Field and told the team to remove him from the contest. Turner left during the eighth inning and stayed isolated until after the game, when he came onto the field and was later shown taking a picture with his teammates while not wearing a mask.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2010, was seated directly to Turner's right and was also not wearing a mask. People with preexisting conditions are considered to have a higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 symptoms.
Turner, along with his Dodgers teammates, was in MLB's so-called "soft bubble" for the NLCS and World Series. It is unclear how he contracted the virus.
Manfred toldBob Nightengaleof USA Todaythat the sport is launching an investigation into the matter.
"We really don't know yet. I prefer not to speculate," he said. "It's important for us to trace obviously what the health situation is, and whoever was in the hotel, before turning them loose to travel.
"It's important to know, if we can, how it happened so that we're confident if we need to do this again [stay in the bubble]."
Members of the Dodgers traveling party are set to remain in Dallas to undergo further COVID-19 testing.
It's likely Turner will face significant punishment for not following MLB protocols.
