PHILADELPHIA, PA – JULY 27: Trea Turner #7 of the Washington Nationals slides safely into third base in the top of the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on July 27, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Washington Nationals shortstop Trea Turner was removed from Tuesday’s nights game in Philadelphia after testing positive for COVID-19.
Trea Turner was pulled from the Washington Nationals lineup up during the first inning of Tuesday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies. With the MLB trade deadline approaching and the rumor mill churning rapidly, some fans in the District were initially concerned Turner had been traded.
Then, it was thought that perhaps he injured himself sliding into third base.
It’s possible Turner was indeed uncomfortable after his slide. However, half an hour later, the Nationals announced Turner was taken out due to testing positive for COVID-19.
Turner tests positive for COVID-19
Turner is the latest ballplayer to test positive as Major League Baseball continues to deal with COVID-19 outbreaks in the second half of the 2021 season. Under the league’s COVID health and safety protocol, Turner may have to quarantine for ten days. This puts the Nationals and any potential trade suitors in a pickle, as the shortstop would likely miss at least the first week with a new team.
It’s currently unknown whether Turner is experiencing any symptoms. He is believed to have been vaccinated, however, the virus continues to spread even amongst fully vaccinated individuals.
Now in his seventh year in the big leagues, Turner was named a National League All-Star for the first time this year. The 28-year-old shortstop leads Washington with a .322 batting average, 125 hits, 66 runs scored and 21 stolen bases (21) in 2021.
The Nationals are the only MLB franchise Turner has suited up for thus far in his career. Despite the COVID scare, he will likely remain a top trade target ahead of Friday’s deadline.