Washington Nationals shortstop Trea Turner left Tuesday’s game in the first inning, fueling all sorts of trade rumors.
But Turner was not being traded. Instead, he was removed from the game after testing positive for COVID-19 per MLB protocols, the Nationals announced.
Turner started the game with a single and went first to third on a Juan Soto base hit. Replays showed Turner looking uncomfortable sliding into third base.
He scored on a Josh Bell home run and went straight to the dugout, which sparked both trade and injury speculation.
Multiple reports suggested Turner was not being traded and about half an hour later it was announced he was positive for COVID-19.
Manager Dave Martinez said after the game the team did not learn until the first inning, when Bell was at-bat and hit a home run.
"We had to get him out right away," Martinez said.
Martinez did not say if Turner was vaccinated or not, but added vaccinated players and staff are not tested as of now and that no one else has to quarantine as a close contact.
It is uncertain if this will impact Turner's status as a trade target.
There is no minimum with an IL stint, but he will likely miss at least 10 days in quarantine.
The Nationals pulled Luis Garcia from his Lehigh Valley game on Tuesday and he will join Washington to replace Turner, per Jesse Dougherty.
This is a developing story. Please check back for more details.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
