On March 6, we all witnessed one of the ugliest scenes fans can see: a batter being hit in the head by a pitch.
It was a fastball over 90 miles per hour that hit Boston Red Sox third baseman Justin Turner in the face.
There was blood, and there was pain.
You could see, and almost feel it.
At that precise moment, a serious injury was very much in the cards for the accomplished hitter.
Fortunately, tests and images revealed no fractures nor a concussion.
Turner, therefore, dodged a bullet and got to start his recovery sooner than we all expected after watching the moment.
A few days past: he got 16 stitches in his face, he rested, and then he returned to hitting in the Red Sox’s spring training complex.
On Monday, he returned to the lineup for the first time since March 6.
That’s obviously some great news for the Red Sox, who are shooting to have their third baseman back in time for Opening Day.
“It feels good to be back on the field.”
Justin Turner made his first start today after being hit in the face by a pitch on March 6th. @TomCaron | #RedSox | #SpringTraining pic.twitter.com/BDJfecSVS4
— NESN (@NESN) March 20, 2023
Turner himself acknowledged that if it feels nice to be back in action.
Opening Day is on March 30, so the former Los Angeles Dodger will have about 10 days worth of at-bats to get his timing back.
It should be enough time to get his rhythm back to where it was.
The Red Sox know Turner is slowly declining, but they are hoping he can be a slightly above-average hitter at least for some more time.
It’s definitely doable.
If he can, their chances to make the postseason will be improved.
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