Justin Turner hit in the head by pitch: Red Sox player briefly hospitalized after leaving spring training game

Boston Red Sox first baseman Justin Turner was briefly hospitalized and required 16 stitches Monday after being hit in the face by a pitch from a Detroit starter Matt Manning’s Tigers. Turner’s wife Kourtney tweeted the following update Monday night, noting that he avoided a fracture and concussion:

You can find a video of the event below, but viewer discretion is recommended.

As the broadcast noted, Turner’s face appeared to be bleeding. Red Sox TV reporter Jahmai Webster said “blood was spurting from his nose” and Turner’s “cheek area had swollen up very quickly.”

Once Turner picked himself up from the ground, he walked to the clubhouse wearing Red Sox trainers while holding a towel over his face. The Red Sox announced that Turner was taken to a local hospital by ambulance. More from the team:

Justin Turner was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation after being hit in the face by a pitch. He is being treated for a soft tissue injury, and is being monitored for a concussion. It will be tested further, and we will update as we have more information. Justin is stable, alert, and in good spirits with the situation.

Turner, 38, hit .296 /. He made two All-Star teams and finished in the top 10 in NL MVP voting twice as well.

He signed a one-year, $15 million contract with the Red Sox last season. With Rafael Devers signed to a long-term extension to remain the Red Sox’s third baseman, Turner will move across the diamond to first base while also seeing time at designated hitter this season come