At this point in the MLB regular season, most teams around the league are trying to figure out if they are going to be sellers or buyers at next month’s trade deadline.
The Detroit Tigers have been one of the best teams in the AL and baseball, and will likely be buyers as they are a threat to make a deep playoff run in October. However, until we get to the deadline, teams are signing various free agents and calling up players from the minor leagues to give them a boost.
One former Detroit Tiger has finally gotten the call-up from the minor leagues from his new team after patiently waiting to make his 2025 debut.
Spencer Turnbull on Verge of Making 2025 Debut With Toronto Blue Jays
On Sunday evening, the Toronto Blue Jays announced that they recalled right-handed pitcher Spencer Turnbull from Triple-A Buffalo. The former Detroit Tigers starter will be replacing Paxton Schultz, who was sent down to Triple-A.
ROSTER MOVES:
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 8, 2025
🔹 RHP Spencer Turnbull has been recalled from Triple-A
🔹 RHP Paxton Schultz has been optioned to Triple-A pic.twitter.com/a5kOr4LuT7
The 32-year-old Turnbull signed a one-year deal with the Blue Jays early last month. Turnbull did not immediately join the big league club, as he was sent to the minor leagues to ramp up for an eventual call-up.
In five minor league starts between Single-A and Triple-A, Turnbull had a 0-3 record and 7.13 ERA. He allowed 23 hits, 15 runs (14 earned), nine walks, and a home run, while only landing 14 strikeouts in 17.2 innings pitched.
According to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca, the ex-Tigers pitcher is joining the Blue Jays for their upcoming three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Turnbull’s role is unclear, as his fastball velocity was down as it sat under 90 mph, per Davidi.
The veteran pitcher has had an interesting last couple of years since last playing for Detroit in 2023. Turnbull spent last season with the Philadelphia Phillies on a one-year deal and looked stellar as a starter.
In seven starts with the Phillies, Turnbull had a 2-0 record and 1.78 ERA. The veteran also held opponents to a .146 average at the plate. However, things did not go well for the former Tiger as a reliever.
Turnbull’s ERA out of the bullpen was 4.26, and opponents were hitting .257 in 10 relief appearances. The veteran right-handed pitcher dealt with a right lat strain that put him on the 60-day injured list last summer and effectively ended his season.
Now, the ex-Tigers pitcher will hope to return to his 2024 form after a less-than-stellar showing in the minor leagues.