Fantasy News

• Phillies' Spencer Turnbull: Tosses two innings of relief

  Rotowire May 8, 2024

  Turnbull threw two innings of relief Tuesday against the Blue Jays, walking one but allowing no hits or runs. Turnbull was expected to pitch in some sort of piggyback setup with Cristopher Sanchez, but Tuesday's game didn't entirely fit that pattern. Sanchez threw seven innings of one-run ball before turning it over to Turnbull in the eighth with the Phillies up 8-1. Turnbull's outing therefore wound up looking much more like traditional low-leverage relief work than a proper piggybacking arrangement. It's not yet clear whether Turnbull will be used as a typical reliever for the foreseeable future or if the Phillies will keep him lined up with Sanchez's starts.

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• Phillies' Spencer Turnbull: Will follow Sanchez in relief

  Rotowire May 7, 2024

  Phillies manager Rob Thomson said that Turnbull will pitch in relief Tuesday against the Blue Jays, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports. Thomson wouldn't reveal exactly how Turnbull will be used, but Gelb says the right-hander will likely pitch three innings or so in what could be a piggyback situation with starter Cristopher Sanchez. Turnbull was demoted to the bullpen recently in spite of a 1.67 ERA and 36:10 K:BB in 32.1 innings this season, as the team has an eye on his workload since he hasn't thrown more than 56.2 innings in a season since 2019.

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• Phillies' Spencer Turnbull: Available in relief Sunday

  Rotowire May 4, 2024

  Turnbull will be available out of the Phillies bullpen Sunday versus the Giants, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Turnbull could end up piggybacking starter Taijuan Walker, though manager Rob Thomson didn't explicitly say that would be the case. From a performance standpoint, Turnbull has earned a spot in Philadelphia's rotation with a 1.67 ERA and 36:10 K:BB in 32.1 innings this season, but the team also wants to keep an eye on his workload since he hasn't thrown more than 56.2 innings in a season since 2019. Turnbull seems likely to make another start at some point in the not-too-distant future, but it may take an injury to another starter before that happens.

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• Phillies' Spencer Turnbull: Could piggyback another starter

  Rotowire May 3, 2024

  The Phillies are considering piggybacking Turnbull with another starter, Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports. Turnbull's stint in the Phillies' rotation was supposed to be temporary while Taijuan Walker (shoulder) worked his way back. However, Turnbull has pitched so well -- posting a 1.67 ERA and 36:10 K:BB in 32.1 innings -- that the club is considering ways to keep him in its rotation even with Walker back in the fold. A six-man rotation hasn't been ruled out, although manager Rob Thomson has indicated it's unlikely. Instead, it seems that Turnbull and another starter -- either Walker or Cristopher Sanchez -- will be used in tandem, with the decision on who would start and who would be in long relief that day depending on the opposition. Turnbull could still eventually shift to the bullpen on a full-time basis, as he hasn't thrown more than 56.2 innings in a season since 2019, but it doesn't sound like that's going to happen yet. Thomson indicated that he could make an announcement regarding his rotation plans as soon as Friday.

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• Phillies' Spencer Turnbull: Strikes out eight Wednesday

  Rotowire Apr 24, 2024

  Turnbull didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against Cincinnati, allowing one run on three hits and three walks over five innings. He struck out eight. It was another strong effort from Turnbull, who set a season high with eight strikeouts while allowing just one run on a Will Benson solo homer in the third inning. Turnbull has been exceptional to start the year, going 2-0 with a 1.33 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 30:10 K:BB through 27 innings. Still, with Taijuan Walker (shoulder) returning from the IL, Turnbull will head to the bullpen in an effort to manage his innings. The right-hander figures to be first in line should the Phillies need help in the rotation later this season.

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• Phillies' Spencer Turnbull: Move to bullpen coming soon

  Rotowire Apr 22, 2024

  Phillies manager Rob Thomson implied Friday that Turnbull will likely move to the bullpen after he starts Wednesday's game in Cincinnati, MLB.com reports. Taijuan Walker (shoulder) tossed 6.1 innings and 102 pitches in his latest rehab start Sunday with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, setting him up to return from the 15-day injured list and take back a spot in the rotation next weekend in San Diego. Rather than making room for both Walker and Turnbull and expanding the rotation to six men, the latter is poised to head to the bullpen as the Phillies look to manage his innings. Even with Turnbull's upcoming move to relief, Thomson is optimistic that the right-hander can get enough work to stay stretched out in the event a spot in the rotation opens up again. Turnbull has been tremendous thus far for any managers in deeper mixed leagues or NL-only leagues that scooped him up in the later rounds of drafts, as he's gone 2-0 with a 1.23 ERA, 0.77 WHIP and 22:7 K:BB across 22 innings.

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• Phillies' Spencer Turnbull: Stellar vs. White Sox

  Rotowire Apr 19, 2024

  Turnbull (2-0) earned the win Friday against the White Sox, allowing one hit and two walks over seven scoreless innings. He struck out six. Turnbull held Chicago without a hit through six innings, eventually allowing a lone one-out single to Gavin Sheets in the seventh en route to a 7-0 Phillies victory. Turnbull has been a revelation in Philadelphia so far this season, holding opponents scoreless in three of his first four starts. The 31-year-old right-hander lowered his ERA to 1.23 with a 0.77 WHIP and 22:7 K:BB across 22 innings. Turnbull is currently on track for a road matchup with the Reds in his next outing, but it could be his last for the time being with Taijuan Walker (shoulder) close to making his season debut.

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• Phillies' Spencer Turnbull: Takes step back Saturday

  Rotowire Apr 14, 2024

  Turnbull came away with a no-decision Saturday, giving up three runs on four hits and four walks over four-plus innings in a 4-3 win over the Pirates. He struck out three. The right-hander was looking good through four innings but failed to get an out in the fifth, allowing a leadoff single to Alika Williams, a two-run homer to Oneil Cruz and a walk to Bryan Reynolds before getting the hook. Turnbull tossed 48 of 88 pitches for strikes as he gave up his first earned runs of the season, and through three starts he still sports a 1.80 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 16:5 K:BB in 15 innings. He'll try to get back on track against a familiar foe, as the former Tiger lines up to make his next start at home next weekend against the White Sox.

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• Phillies' Spencer Turnbull: Fires six shutout innings

  Rotowire Apr 8, 2024

  Turnbull did not factor in the decision during Monday's win against St. Louis. He allowed two hits and a walk over six shutout frames while recording six strikeouts. Turnbull faced a first-and-third situation in the second inning but otherwise didn't find himself in much trouble Monday. He's up to 11 consecutive scoreless frames to open the 2024 campaign. The veteran righty has produced an impressive 13:1 K:BB during that span. Turnbull forced 12 swinging strikes Monday, including six with the sweeper. He's expected to face the Pirates at home this weekend.

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• Phillies' Spencer Turnbull: Dazzles in debut

  Rotowire Apr 2, 2024

  Turnbull (1-0) earned the win in Tuesday's 9-4 over the Reds after allowing one unearned run on three hits while striking out seven over five innings. Turnbull turned in a highly impressive outing for the Phillies, becoming the first pitcher in franchise history to allow no earned runs while striking out at least seven hitters and walking none in his team debut. His seven strikeouts were the most he's had in a start since he recorded nine in a no-hitter against the Mariners on May 18, 2021. Tuesday's performance was as about as good of an outing as you could ask from Turnbull after he struggled in limited action last season while trying to come back from Tommy John surgery. The 30-year-old is tentatively lined up for another start next week against the Cardinals while he continues to fill in for Taijuan Walker (shoulder).

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• Phillies' Spencer Turnbull: Slated for 80-to-85 pitches

  Rotowire Apr 2, 2024

  Phillies manager Rob Thomson said that Turnbull prepared for 80-to-85 pitches during Tuesday's start against the Reds, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. That's assuming the game winds up being played, as there's been plenty of rain in Philadelphia and more expected. It will be the first big-league appearance since last May for Turnbull, who is filling in for the injured Taijuan Walker (shoulder).

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• Phillies' Spencer Turnbull: Making first start Tuesday

  Rotowire Mar 28, 2024

  Turnbull secured a spot in the Phillies' Opening Day rotation and is scheduled to make his first start Tuesday versus the Reds in Philadelphia, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports. Turnbull entered spring training on the outside looking in for a rotation spot and was more realistically competing for a long-relief role with the Phillies, but a starting role opened up after Taijuan Walker suffered a shoulder injury last weekend that resulted in him being placed on the 15-day injured list. Though he was lit up to the tune of a 7.26 ERA and 1.68 WHIP in seven starts at the big-league level with the Tigers last season in his first year back from Tommy John surgery, Turnbull owns much more palatable ratios (4.55 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 12.3 K-BB%) over his 302.1 career innings in the majors. The Phillies are hoping that with the elbow procedure further in the rear-view mirror, Turnbull can give the team some quality outings at the back end of the rotation before Walker is ready to return from the IL.

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• Phillies' Spencer Turnbull: Could open season in rotation

  Rotowire Mar 24, 2024

  Taijuan Walker's shoulder injury could push Turnbull into the Phillies' rotation to begin the season, Todd Zolecki of MLB.comreports. Turnbull joined Philadelphia on a one-year, $2 million contract in February and was set to begin the season as a long reliever or at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, but Walker experienced shoulder discomfort Saturday and may be headed to the injured list. Turnbull returned from Tommy John surgery last season and struggled to a 7.26 ERA in seven starts for Detroit, but he pitched well in 2021 prior to the elbow injury with a 2.88 ERA and 0.98 WHIP over 50 innings.

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• Phillies' Spencer Turnbull: Lands in Philadelphia

  Rotowire Feb 11, 2024

  Turnbull agreed Sunday with the Phillies on a one-year, $2 million contract, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports. The contract includes up to $2 million in incentives. Turnbull was non-tendered by the Tigers earlier in the offseason following an ineffective, injury-plagued 2023 campaign, but he'll be added to the Phillies' 40-man roster and should have a chance to compete for a back-end spot in the team's Opening Day rotation. The 31-year-old still has a minor-league option remaining and will most likely begin the season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley if he falls short in his bid for a rotation spot with Philadelphia, but an injury or two could quickly pave the way for him to surface with the big club. Turnbull should at least head into Phillies camp with a clean bill of health, and he has a decent overall track record at the big-league level to fall back on in spite of his struggles in 2023. Over 61 career appearances (60 starts) across 302.1 innings with the Tigers from 2018 through 2023, Turnbull logged a 4.55 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 12.3 K-BB%.

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• Spencer Turnbull: Non-tendered by Tigers

  Rotowire Nov 17, 2023

  Turnbull became a free agent Friday after being non-tendered by the Tigers. Turnbull posted a rough 7.26 ERA over 31 innings this season in the majors and wasn't much better at Triple-A. The 31-year-old right-hander will aim to revive his career in a new locale, assuming the Tigers don't bring him back on a new (cheaper) deal. He'd been projected to earn around $2.4 million in 2024 via salary arbitration.

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• Tigers' Spencer Turnbull: Will compete for rotation job

  Rotowire Oct 2, 2023

  Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris said Monday that he expects Turnbull to compete for a job in the rotation next spring, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. Turnbull missed all of the 2022 season following Tommy John surgery and suffered through a lost 2023 campaign. He was limited to just 15 starts this year due to neck and toe injuries and, when healthy, didn't pitch well either in the majors (7.26 ERA) or minors (6.23 ERA). Turnbull ended the season healthy at Triple-A Toledo, though, and should have a normal offseason. It's possible Turnbull could have been seen as a non-tender candidate, but it sounds like the Tigers plan to keep him around and hope he can bounce back in his walk year.

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• Tigers' Spencer Turnbull: Returning to mound at Triple-A

  Rotowire Sep 14, 2023

  Turnbull (toe) is listed as Thursday's scheduled starter for Triple-A Toledo, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports. Turnbull hasn't pitched in more than three weeks because of a cracked toenail but appears ready to give it a go Thursday. It's been a lost season for the right-hander, as injuries have limited Turnbull to 52.1 innings, and he's struggled both in the majors (7.26 ERA) and minors (6.75 ERA).

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• Tigers' Spencer Turnbull: Suffers toe injury

  Rotowire Sep 2, 2023

  Turnbull didn't make his scheduled turn through the rotation at Triple-A Toledo this week after Tigers manager A.J. Hinch relayed Saturday that the right-hander is dealing with a cracked toenail, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. Toledo hasn't placed Turnbull on its 7-day injured list, and Hinch relays that Turnbull should get back on the mound "any given day." Turnbull was recently activated from the Tigers' 60-day IL after recovering from a neck injury and completing a six-start rehab assignment. He made the last four of those starts with Toledo, posting a 7.71 ERA and 1.84 WHIP in 16.1 innings.

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• Tigers' Spencer Turnbull: Activated, optioned to Triple-A

  Rotowire Aug 23, 2023

  The Tigers activated Turnbull (neck) from the 60-day injured list Wednesday and optioned him to Triple-A Toledo, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. Turnbull's 30-day rehab assignment window closed on a low note Tuesday, with the right-hander striking out five but giving up three earned runs on six hits and two walks over 3.2 innings in his start with Toledo. Overall, Turnbull compiled a 6.75 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 23:7 K:BB over 21.1 innings in his six starts between Toledo and High-A West Michigan. The Tigers already have a full rotation, so unless injuries test the big club's pitching depth, Turnbull will need to show improved performance over his next few outings at Toledo to get another look in Detroit.

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• Tigers' Spencer Turnbull: Bullpen and rehab scheduled

  Rotowire Aug 11, 2023

  Turnbull (neck) is scheduled to make his next rehab start Tuesday for Triple-A Toledo, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports. In his first two Triple-A rehab starts he allowed five earned runs in 7.2 innings. Turnbull is still ramping up his workload as he continues to make strides to a return, but with a 7.23 ERA in the majors this season, it remains in question whether the Tigers will make room in the rotation for him.

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