Turner expects to be ready for Red Sox opener: 'That's the plan'

Boston Red Sox designated hitter Justin Turner hopes to play on Opening Day despite recently taking a pitch to the face.

"That's the plan," he told MLB.com's Ian Browne.

Turner was taken to hospital and received 16 stitches after he was struck in the face by Detroit Tigers right-hander Matt Manning on March 6. Turner didn't suffer any facial fractures, and all his scans came back clean.

"Yeah, pretty gross," Turner replied when asked if he saw a replay of what happened.

The 38-year-old is expected to be a big part of the Red Sox lineup after signing a one-year, $15-million deal with Boston in December.