It feels like so long ago that Spencer Turnbull was rocking an impressive start in the Philadelphia Phillies rotation last season. It must feel even longer for Turnbull. The former Phillies' pitcher finally signed with the Toronto Blue Jays one month into the 2025 season and then had a disastrous performance, leading to his designation for assignment on Wednesday.
The Blue Jays made the roster move to reinstate pitching legend Max Scherzer from the 60-day IL. Scherzer has been dealing with a thumb issue that halted his season just three innings into his Toronto debut. The future Hall of Famer is back now, though, and the Blue Jays' front office likely didn't have any problem when deciding who to cut from the roster.
#BlueJays officially activate Max Scherzer for tonight’s start in Cleveland.
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) June 25, 2025
Spencer Turnbull has been DFA’d.
Spencer Turnbull didn't put his best foot forward with Blue Jays
Signed by a Toronto team that was desperate for pitching — starting pitching specifically — Turnbull made three appearances in a Blue Jays uniform. He started off well enough, with a clean two-inning relief outing. He gave up one run in 2 1/3 innings in his second game as a Blue Jay. It was the third time that certainly wasn't the charm for the 32-year-old right-hander.
Making his first start for Toronto last week against the Chicago White Sox of all teams, Turnbull laid a dud. He lasted just two innings, giving up four runs on five hits and two walks, while striking out two. After that sad performance, he sports a 7.11 ERA and 2.53 WHIP on the season.
Last season, Turnbull signed a one-year deal with the Phillies and was incredible in the starting rotation. He filled in for Taijuan Walker, who began the year on the IL. Turnbull, who once threw a no-hitter with the Detroit Tigers, made six starts for the Phillies through the end of April. He went 2-0, posting a stingy 1.67 ERA and 0.84 WHIP with 36 strikeouts in 32 1/3 innings.
The Phillies, in what turned out to be a not-so-great move, shifted Turnbull to the bullpen upon Walker's return. Neither Turnbull nor Walker fared very well the rest of the year. Turnbull posted a 4.26 ERA in 19 relief innings before hitting the IL himself after being moved back to the rotation in late June.
Walker, as most Phillies fans are well aware, had a record-setting disastrous season and was eventually moved to the bullpen, finishing the year with a 7.10 ERA.
Turnbull never pitched for the Phillies again in 2024 and entered free agency in November. Despite putting up a solid 2.65 ERA in Philadelphia and showing he could start, teams were wary to take a chance on him over the winter. His extensive injury history likely had something to do with that.
His recent, disappointing stint with the Blue Jays might also make pitching-desperate teams think twice about bringing him aboard.