Toronto Blue Jays announce roster move involving Spencer Turnbull
Photo credit: https://www.espn.com/mlb
The Toronto Blue Jays announced this afternoon that they've recalled right-hander Spencer Turnbull from Triple-A Buffalo. In a corresponding move, right-hander Paxton Schultz was optioned to Triple-A.
Turnbull, 32, signed with Toronto on a one-year deal last month. The right-hander was added to the 40-man roster at the time of the signing but agreed to be optioned to the minor leagues at the time of his signing so he could build up his arm after missing all of Spring Training due to being unsigned.
He made his fifth rehab appearance on Friday, when he threw 80 pitches across 4 2/3 innings of five-run ball against the Mets' Triple-A affiliate. Despite those shaky results, it represented Turnbull's longest appearance both in terms of pitch count and batters faced.
That may have been close enough to a full big league start that the Jays were comfortable adding him back to the roster, but it's worth noting that Turnbull's optional assignment could only last a maximum of 35 days.
That window would have expired tomorrow, meaning that Turnbull's addition to the roster was imminent unless he suffered an injury or agreed to a longer stay in the minors.
Despite his shaky rehab outings, the addition of Turnbull into the fold should hopefully provide a stabilizing force for a Jays pitching staff in serious need of reinforcements.
The righty had an up-and-down career over five years with the Tigers where he at times flashed the ability to be a quality mid-rotation arm but was too often held back by injuries.
He enjoyed his healthiest season in years with the Phillies last year, and while he did ultimately miss the second half of the season with a lat strain he made 17 appearances (including seven starts) where he pitched to an impressive 2.65 ERA with a 3.85 FIP and 3.67 SIERA aross 54 1/3 innings of work.
He struck out a career-high 26.1% of opponents while walking a fairly manageable 9.0%, and despite the season-ending injury re-entered free agency with a fairly strong argument for a solid contract.
Whether the Blue Jays ultimately decide to start Turnbull or use him in the bullpen at first, that flexibility is sure to come in handy during his time with the club.
Do you think the Blue Jays will use Spencer Turnbull as a starter or a reliever out of the bullpen?
Tell us what you think in the poll below
| POLL | ||
JUIN 8 | 120 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays announce roster move involving Spencer Turnbull Do you think the Blue Jays will use Spencer Turnbull as a starter or a reliever out of the bullpen? | ||
| Starter | 50 | 41.7 % |
| Reliever | 70 | 58.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
