Blue Jays to sign Spencer Turnbull

The deal, like most cases, is pending a physical.

Turnbull went unsigned this offseason after spending 2024 with the Philadelphia Phillies. In his lone with the team he posted a 3-0 record with a 2.65 ERA in 54.1 innings.

He spent the first five seasons of his career with the Detroit Tigers, missing all of 2022 recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Turnbull has been a starter for most of career and likely takes the fifth spot in the rotation. He also made 10 appearances out of the bullpen last year for the Phils and could slide into a long relief role if and when Max Scherzer returns.

There is no indication that the Blue Jays feel Scherzer is behind schedule; he threw a heavy bullpen session yesterday and is on track to return at the end of May.

Signing Turnbull allows the Blue Jays to not rush Jake Bloss to the big leagues, move Yariel Rodriguez back to the bullpen full time, and provide additional insurance in case Bowden Francis' struggles continue.

For the past few years, the Blue Jays have been fortunate in that their rotation has been healthy and consistent. That cannot last forever, and we have already seen some cracks this season. Turnbull will help mitigate this.

In terms of a corresponding roster move, the most likely candidate to be sent down is left-hander Josh Walker, although Eric Lauer, who is out options could also be cut in order to simultaneously free up space on both the active and 40-man rosters.

More to come...