The Toronto Blue Jays’ rotation depth has been patchwork all season. Ever since Max Scherzer left his Toronto debut with a re-injured thumb, the Blue Jays have rotated through fifth starters and long relievers, soaking up needed innings.
To add more depth options to the mix, the Blue Jays signed right-handed pitcher Spencer Turnbull to a major-league deal, per multiple reports. Sportsnet was the first to report the news.
GM Ross Atkins teased the move on Friday, saying some things were “in the works” to add rotation depth. It’s hard to remake a rotation in May, but Turnbull was one of the top remaining pitchers sitting in free agency. He posted a 2.65 ERA in 17 appearances (seven starts) for the Phillies last year.
A new sweeper turned Turnbull back into a strikeout weapon in 2024. The pitch had a 30.8 percent whiff rate and Turnbull struck out 58 batters in 54.1 innings, his most since 2019. The righty’s campaign ended in June when he was placed on the injured list with a right lat strain. It was the fifth time he’d been placed on the IL since 2021.
While Turnbull can pitch in relief, he’ll likely join the collection of rotation depth options the Blue Jays are collecting in Triple-A, alongside prospect Jake Bloss, Easton Lucas and lefty Eric Lauer (who is currently in the big leagues). As he hasn’t pitched in game action yet this year, it may take time before the righty can join the MLB roster.
If Toronto needs to dip further down the depth chart for starts, Turnbull can soon be an option. The Blue Jays have leaned heavily on José Berríos, Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt and Bowden Francis to carry the load as the team sorts through fifth starter troubles. Alongside the rest of Toronto’s rotation depth, Turnbull should help ease the load on the top of the Blue Jays’ rotation.
“Unfortunately, we’re in the time of year where a lot of injuries kind of pop up,” Bassitt said after his Friday start. “Just keeping us healthy is the number one thing.”
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