The Philadelphia Phillies have made a move to bolster their pitching depth by signing right-hander Spencer Turnbull to a one-year, $2 million contract. The deal also includes performance bonuses, pending a physical examination. Turnbull, a former Detroit Tigers pitcher, has struggled with injuries in recent years, which have limited his time on the field.
The news was confirmed by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, who shared the report by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Turnbull’s signing is expected to provide the Phillies with additional options for their starting rotation as they prepare for the upcoming season.
A Look at the Signing
Turnbull’s deal with the Phillies is pending a physical, given the right-hander’s history of injuries. The 29-year-old has been limited to just 16 starts in the last four seasons, primarily due to various injuries, including undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2021, which led to him missing the entire 2022 season.
During the 2023 season, Turnbull battled injuries and struggled on the mound, posting a 7.26 ERA in seven starts with the Tigers. He also had an underwhelming performance in the minor leagues, with a combined 6.23 ERA in eight starts split between Triple-A Toledo and Single-A West Michigan.
Potential Role with the Phillies
It is likely that Turnbull will begin the season in Triple-A Lehigh Valley unless he earns a spot in the Phillies’ bullpen as a long man. The right-hander does have an option remaining, but as a player with five-plus years of MLB service time, he has the ability to refuse any assignment.
Turnbull’s previous experience in the major leagues, despite his injury-riddled past few seasons, could provide the Phillies with valuable depth and starting pitching options. While his role with the team is yet to be determined, his signing adds an interesting dynamic to the Phillies’ pitching staff.
The Tigers’ Decision and Turnbull’s Performance
Turnbull, who spent nearly nine years in the Tigers organization, saw his time with the team come to an end after a tumultuous 2023 season. The Tigers declined to offer him a contract for 2024, following an odd season that included attempts to option him to Triple-A Toledo, both of which were later rescinded due to injuries, thus earning Turnbull a full year of service time.
The right-hander’s history with the Tigers was marred by clashes over service time and a checkered health record, culminating in the Tigers’ decision not to bring him back for the upcoming season. However, the Phillies have shown confidence in Turnbull’s potential and have offered him an opportunity to revive his career in Philadelphia.
Conclusion
The Phillies’ addition of Spencer Turnbull provides them with a potential low-cost, high-reward option for their pitching staff. With the one-year deal, Turnbull will have the chance to prove his capabilities and contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming MLB season. As the Phillies continue to build their roster, the signing of Turnbull adds a layer of intrigue to their pitching depth and potential rotation options.
