Justin Turner Injury Update: Checking up on Red Sox star after errant pitch leaves batter bloodied

Justin Turner had to leave the Boston Red Sox Spring Training game recently in one of the toughest things to see in a baseball game. The batter was hit in the face by an errant pitch. Pitchers hit batters often, but it is rare to see the ball land on someone's face.

An errant fastball from Detroit Tigers pitcher Matt Manning hit Turner in the first inning, leaving him bloodied and in a lot of pain. Fortunately, he was rushed to a local hospital.

There, he received 16 stitches and is currently resting and recovering.

The Red Sox released a statement regarding their recent signing via CNN:

“He is receiving treatment for soft tissue injuries and is being monitored for a concussion. He will undergo further testing, and we’ll update as we have more information. Justin is stable, alert and in good spirits given the circumstances.”

His wife Kourtney Turner added to Instagram:

“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 and clear scans!”

Manning insisted that the pitch was accidental and that he never meant to even get close to Turner's face:

“It was a complete accident; ball just got away. I got a swing and miss on a ball kind of up in the zone, so I tried to go back to it, and it just got away from me.”

He plans to reach out and talk with Justin Turner at some point.

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Justin Turner injury update: How long will the Red Sox star be out?

Justin Turner has received the stitches without a hitch. He's recovering now, but stitches can certainly be a pain to deal with.

Some stitches dissolve on their own, but it can take a month or more. Since Turner had to get 16 of them, it can be assumed that his full recovery will take longer.

Justin Turner got 16 stitches

However, he can probably play with them, depending on his pain level. The Red Sox will take it easy with their free agent signing, but they can probably have him hit with a protective helmet sooner rather than later.