Let’s start today’s MLB news and notes with the latest on Justin Turner of the Boston Red Sox after a scary situation on Monday. Additionally, Shohei Ohtani is already showing he’s in prime form to start the 2023 season and the World Baseball Classic.
MLB news: Justin Turner injury update
Turner, signed by the Boston Red Sox this offseason after spending the last nine seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, was hit in the face by an errant pitch during Monday’s spring training game between the Red Sox and Detroit Tigers.
Oh no no no
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) March 6, 2023
Awful scene in the Red Sox game as Justin Turner gets hit in the head and immediately goes down.
He’s been removed from the game. Hoping for the best.
pic.twitter.com/Zu3kuqxhlE
Turner was able to leave the field on his own power.
Justin Turner walks off after being hit in the face by a pitch pic.twitter.com/UvecNR7YYc
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 6, 2023
After being taken to a local hospital for further evaluation, Turner and the Red Sox received some good news later in the day (with Turner also receiving plenty of stitches from the errant fastball).
Thank you to everyone that reached out about Justin and sent prayers. We’re home now and he’s resting (okay - maybe listening to the replay of the game). 16 stitches and a lot of swelling but we are thanking God for no fractures & clear scans. ❤️ @redturn2
— Kourtney Turner (@court_with_a_K) March 6, 2023
Shohei Ohtani provides early highlights while playing in Japan
It may be an exhibition game ahead of the World Baseball Classic, but Shohei Ohtani is already showing that he will bring the power for Team Japan.
The Sho has already started.
— MLB (@MLB) March 6, 2023
Shohei Ohtani rips TWO home runs in #WorldBaseballClassic exhibition action. pic.twitter.com/fkS6KWtyZA
Let’s take a look at that first home run from a different angle and see exactly how much power the Los Angeles Angels superstar was able to generate despite a very awkward finish to his swing.
Shohei Ohtani dropped to one knee and hit a ball 420 feet https://t.co/pONg5XA80Q
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 6, 2023
Team Japan opens WBC play inside the Tokyo Dome against the Czech Republic at 5 a.m. (Eastern time) on Saturday, March 11. The game is scheduled to be televised on FS1.