Trea Turner was pulled in the first inning of Wednesday night’s Nationals game against the Phillies after he tested positive for the coronavirus, Washington announced.
The Nationals have received trade interest in the star shortstop as the team appears to be approaching a sell-off ahead of Friday’s trade deadline. Due to a positive test, Turner will likely be in isolation for 10 days. Washington passed the 85% vaccination threshold in May, a requirement to loosen coronavirus protocols.
In the top of the first, Turner beat out an infield single, then scored on Josh Bell’s homer. The 28-year-old entered Tuesday night hitting .320 with a .519 slugging percentage, clubbing 18 homers and stealing 21 bags. He made his first All-Star Game this season.
Infielder Luis Garcia is expected to be called up from Triple-A Rochester to replace Turner on the active roster, according to The Washington Post.
Turner’s positive test comes the same day as Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich’s positive test. Yelich was fully vaccinated but developed mild symptoms on Monday, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, so he was tested. The test came back positive, and contact tracing resulted in infielder Jace Peterson being placed on the injured list for a minimum seven games.
It remains to be seen if any other Washington players are deemed close contacts of Turner, requiring a stint on the injured list to quarantine.
• Andy Kostka can be reached at akostka@washingtontimes.com.
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