Betts supports Turner's return to field after positive COVID-19 test

Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner was seen on the field celebrating his team's World Series win on Tuesday despite being pulled from the game earlier due to a positive COVID-19 test.

Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts defended Turner's decision to return to the field, during which he posed for a team photo without a mask.

"He's part of the team. Forget all that. He's part of the team. We're not excluding him from anything," Betts said, according to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register.

League officials and security personnel instructed Turner to remain in isolation after he exited the game, a source told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal. However, the veteran infielder, who's the longest-tenured player on the Dodgers, was adamant about joining the celebration and even received support from some team officials.

"We're going to get him a picture, then get him off (the field)," a Dodgers official said, according to Rosenthal. "We can't deny him that. The guy is the heart and soul of the organization."

Turner ended up spending around 20 minutes on the field and even hugged his teammates.

"I think for him, being a free agent, not knowing exactly how the future is gonna play out, I don't think anyone was gonna stop him from going (onto the field)," Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said, according to Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times.

There's no indication whether Turner will be punished for his actions.