The Toronto Blue Jays just made a pretty big roster move by designating pitcher Spencer Turnbull for assignment. That caught a lot of fans and analysts off guard, especially considering Turnbull’s talent and flashes of brilliance in the past.
Let’s dig into why the Jays made this call, look at Turnbull’s winding career so far, and maybe try to guess what this means for both him and the team.
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Spencer Turnbull’s Career Overview
Spencer Turnbull is a right-handed pitcher who’s had quite the up-and-down ride. The Detroit Tigers picked him in the second round of the 2014 MLB Draft, and he made his MLB debut in 2018.
Turnbull didn’t waste much time making an impression. He built a reputation as a reliable starter thanks to a lively fastball and a sharp slider.
His big moment came in 2021, when he tossed a no-hitter against the Seattle Mariners. That game really put him on the map as an up-and-coming star.
Injury Setbacks
But it hasn’t been smooth sailing. Injuries have dogged Turnbull’s career.
Right after his no-hitter in 2021, he landed on the injured list with a forearm strain. That injury led to Tommy John surgery, and he missed all of 2022.
He made it back in 2023, but things just weren’t the same. Turnbull struggled to find his old form, and health issues kept popping up.
The Blue Jays’ Decision
The Blue Jays picked up Turnbull in a trade with the Tigers before the 2024 season, hoping he’d help shore up their rotation. But his stint in Toronto hasn’t gone as planned.
In 2024, he put up a 5.40 ERA over 20 starts and just couldn’t find consistent command. The problems carried into 2025, and the Blue Jays finally pulled the plug by designating him for assignment.
Factors Leading to the DFA
Why’d they do it? A few reasons stand out:
- Performance Issues: Turnbull just couldn’t string together enough quality starts for the Jays to count on him in the rotation.
- Injury Concerns: His long injury history, especially after Tommy John, made it tough to trust he’d hold up over a season.
- Roster Flexibility: The Jays needed to open up a spot for someone who could help them right now.
What’s Next for Turnbull?
So what happens to Turnbull now? Being designated for assignment puts him in limbo—Toronto has ten days to trade him, release him, or put him on outright waivers.
Given his past flashes of brilliance, you have to wonder if another team might roll the dice on him. Sometimes a change of scenery can work wonders, right?
Potential Landing Spots
There are a few teams that might be tempted to take a shot, especially if they’re desperate for pitching depth. Here are a few that come to mind:
- Los Angeles Angels: The Angels have had pitching problems for ages, so maybe they see Turnbull as a low-risk gamble.
- Texas Rangers: The Rangers have been looking for rotation help, so Turnbull could be an interesting depth piece.
- San Francisco Giants: The Giants have a knack for reviving pitchers’ careers. Maybe they could work their magic again.
Impact on the Blue Jays
For the Jays, this move signals they’re serious about shaking things up. They want a more dependable arm as they chase a playoff spot.
Rotation Options
With Turnbull gone, the Jays have a few ways they could fill his spot in the rotation:
- Top Prospects: Maybe it’s time to give one of their top young arms a shot at the big leagues.
- Trade Market: With the deadline coming up, the Jays could look for a proven starter from another team.
- Internal Candidates: Or they might just give more innings to someone already on the roster who’s shown promise in a limited role.
Conclusion
The Blue Jays just designated Spencer Turnbull for assignment. That’s a pretty big move for both Turnbull and the team.
Turnbull’s next step in the MLB? Honestly, it’s up in the air. The Blue Jays seem determined to shake things up and get stronger.
Curious what’s next for Turnbull, or how the Jays’ roster might look soon? Guess we’ll have to wait and see.
For more details on this roster move, you can read the original article on MLB Trade Rumors.
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