1 forgotten Phillies injury that completely changed the 2024 season

Like every other team, the Philadelphia Phillies suffered injuries throughout the 2024 Major League Baseball season. Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Alec Bohm, Trea Turner, J.T. Realmuto and Ranger Suárez all missed time due to injuries. The biggest injury of the season might’ve been the loss of a pitcher who was enjoying a breakout year.

The Phillies had major issues surrounding the No. 5 starter spot in the rotation all season. Ideally, top pitching prospect Andrew Painter would’ve taken over the No. 5 spot, but the 21-year-old was recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Spencer Turnbull's injury completely changed the Phillies' 2024 season

Taijuan Walker was slated to be the No. 5 starter but the veteran began the season on the injured list with a shoulder injury. The Phillies turned to Spencer Turnbull as the fifth starter to kick off the 2024 season.

The Phillies signed Turnbull to a one-year deal after spending his first five years in Detroit. He pitched five scoreless innings and recorded seven strikeouts in a win against the Cincinnati Reds on April 2 in his first start with the Phillies.

Turnbull remained in the starting rotation for five more appearances through April 30. He had a 2-0 record with a 1.67 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 36 strikeouts in 32 1/3 innings pitched. Opponents were hitting .148 against him.

The Phillies decided to move Turnbull to the bullpen and replace him with a healthy Walker. That could be argued as the worst decision of the Phillies' 2024 season.

Turnbull didn’t have the same success in the bullpen as he did in the starting rotation. The right-hander allowed seven earned runs and 14 hits in nine innings pitched in May. Opponents hit .359 against him.

The 32-year-old had better success in four appearances in June, and he received another opportunity to start on June 26 after Walker landed on the IL again. Unfortunately, Turnbull only made it through three innings before leaving the game with a back injury.

Spencer Turnbull could have saved the Phillies from their No. 5 starter problem

Turnbull was originally placed on the 15-day IL but was transferred to the 60-day IL a few weeks later. The Phillies struggled to find a pitcher to replace Turnbull and Walker as the No. 5 starter.

Michael Mercado, Tyler Phillips, Kolby Allard and Seth Johnson all received opportunities to start. There was some success but it didn’t last long. Orion Kerkering and Tanner Banks were also used as openers.

The Phillies gave Walker chance after chance to figure things out and remain in the rotation when he was healthy. The $72 million man owned a 3-7 record with a 7.10 ERA in 2024. He made 15 starts and was moved to the bullpen in September. 

Turnbull attempted to make a comeback as a reliever for the playoffs, but he was left off the NLDS roster. He should be healthy and good to go in 2025 if the Phillies decide to bring him back in free agency.

It’s hard to suggest that if Turnbull stayed healthy, the Phillies wouldn’t have had issues with the No. 5 starter spot. He could’ve struggled and come down to reality but the way he was pitching before his injury, it’s hard to pinpoint a bigger injury that changed the Phillies' 2024 season.

Trending on That Ball's Outta Here