World Series: Los Angeles Dodgers star Justin Turner withdrawn during game after positive Covid-19 test

Veteran third baseman exits the Dodgers 3-1 win midway through the game after the team were informed of positive test result

First positive test hits Major League Baseball since the league’s pandemic-shortened season relocated to secure bubble for play-offs

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A masked Justin Turner celebrates with the Commissioner’s Trophy after the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Tampa Bay Rays to win the World Series. Photo: USA TODAY Sports

Published: 1:43pm, 28 Oct 2020Updated: 1:49pm, 28 Oct 2020

Los Angeles Dodgers star Justin Turner was withdrawn midway through his team’s World Series-clinching victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday after testing positive for Covid-19, Major League Baseball confirmed.

The veteran third baseman exited the Dodgers 3-1 win in Arlington midway through the game after the team were informed of a positive test result, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said.

It was the first positive test to hit Major League Baseball since the league’s pandemic-shortened season relocated to a secure bubble for the play-offs.

“It’s a bittersweet night for us,” Manfred said afterwards. “We’re glad to be done. I do think it’s a great accomplishment for our players to get this season completed.

“Obviously, we’re concerned when any of our players test positive. We learned during the game that Justin was a positive. He was immediately isolated to prevent spread.”

Justin Turner, who was removed during the game after a positive Covid-19 test, celebrates on field after the Dodgers clinched the World Series. Photo: EPA

Turner’s sudden withdrawal meant he was not on the field to celebrate the Dodgers moment of victory, when Julio Urias bagged the final out of the game in the top of the ninth.