Former Toronto Blue Jays starter opts out of Chicago Cubs contract for free agency

According to Tommy Birch of The Des Moines Register reports that the righty triggered an opt-out clause.

Turnbull sets out for a new opportunity a few days before the postseason roster cutoff.

He'll need to sign with a new team, at least on a minor league contract, by September 1 in order to be eligible for the playoffs.

Turnbull will be a free agent again at the beginning of the offseason. He'll presumably look to catch on with a contender seeking pitching depth.

Chicago signed Turnbull shortly after the All-Star Break. He took the ball six times with Triple-A Iowa but was tattooed for 26 earned runs in 24 2/3 innings.

He gave up at least five runs in each of his last three times out, including an eight-run appearance in 2 1/3 innings against the A's affiliate on Wednesday.

That obviously wasn't going to get him on the radar for an MLB call, even for a Cubs team that placed Jameson Taillon back on the injured list yesterday.

Turnbull is making a prorated $1.265MM salary from the Blue Jays.

He didn't sign until early May after not finding a deal to his liking all winter.

Toronto only gave him three big league appearances before cutting him loose. His terrible month in Iowa certainly hasn't raised his stock.

Still, Turnbull is only a year removed from pitching to a 2.65 ERA in 54 1/3 innings for the Phillies.

He shouldn't have an issue finding another minor league job, either to finish this season or going into next spring.