It’s a dream for all players to make the major leagues, but life can be a revolving door once they get there. Taking a look at the Detroit Tigers’ roster over the past decade, there are many faces that come and go but rarely do those players exchange spots on a different team.
That’s what happened with some roster news on Wednesday as a beloved ex-Tigers pitcher returned to action. But his return comes at the cost of another former hurler who used to call Detroit home.
Former Tigers Ace Max Scherzer Takes Spencer Turnbull’s Job With Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays announced on Wednesday that Max Scherzer has been activated off the 60-day injured list. While Scherzer will start Wednesday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians, the Blue Jays also announced that ex-Tigers pitcher Spencer Turnbull has been designated for assignment.
ROSTER MOVES:
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 25, 2025
🔹 RHP Max Scherzer reinstated from 60-day IL and will start tonight's game
🔹 RHP Spencer Turnbull designated for assignment pic.twitter.com/DTO2CRUqaO
The move has some irony for Tigers fans. Turnbull spent six years with the Tigers, posting a 4.55 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP over 302.1 innings, but missed the entire 2022 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. While Turnbull’s return season featured a 7.26 ERA in 2023, he rebounded to become a functional flex pitcher, going 3-0 with a 2.65 ERA in 17 appearances (seven starts) for the Philadelphia Phillies last season.
The performance didn’t help Turnbull get a free agent contract this winter, and he didn’t sign until the Blue Jays came calling in May. His three appearances in a Toronto uniform were a disaster as he went 1-1 with a 7.11 ERA before being kicked to the curb.
For all purposes, the Blue Jays are hoping the ex-Tiger they’re calling up has a better time. Toronto signed Scherzer to a one-year, $15.5 million contract last offseason, but the 40-year-old left his lone start after three innings on March 29 with thumb inflammation on their pitching hand.
The Blue Jays likely showed no hesitation welcoming back a three-time Cy Young Award winner to their rotation. But it remains to be seen if he can help the Blue Jays contend with the upper-echelon teams in the American League. With the two teams slated for a three-game series at Comerica Park beginning on July 24, there’s a chance there could be one more meeting with Scherzer on the horizon. But don’t expect Turnbull to be there.