Phillies reveal an unpopular plan for Spencer Turnbull when he returns

Reinforcements are coming for the Philadelphia Phillies. Pitchers Ranger Suárez, Taijuan Walker and Spencer Turnbull are all on track to return to the pitching staff soon. Who’s the odd man out in the starting rotation?

There are only so many spots in a team’s starting rotation. Most teams use a five-man rotation, and every once in a while, teams will opt for a six-man rotation. The Phillies have Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola and Cristopher Sánchez locked into the starting rotation. Suárez will re-enter the rotation when he’s healthy. That leaves one spot left.

Phillies reveal an unpopular plan for Spencer Turnbull when he returns

The Phillies are in a tricky situation when it comes to the fifth spot in the rotation. The organization is paying Walker $72 million to be a starting pitcher. Although he has struggled since arriving in Philadelphia, the right-handed pitcher will have a spot in the rotation during the regular season. Baseball is a business, so players will play when they’re making that much money. What does that mean for Turnbull when he returns from injury?

The Phillies are planning to move Turnbull back to the bullpen once his shoulder is fully healthy, per Matt Gelb of The Athletic.

Turnbull began the season in the starting rotation while Walker was on the IL. The 31-year-old pitched very well before moving to the bullpen when Walker was healthy. Turnbull didn’t have the same success as a reliever as he did as a starter. He was given another chance to start on June 26 against the Detroit Tigers, but he only went three innings due to injury.

Turnbull was 2-0 with a 1.78 ERA in seven starts as a starter this season. Opponents were batting .146 against him. The right-hander has a 4.26 ERA in 10 appearances as a reliever this season with a .257 batting average against him.

Phillies fans were calling for Turnbull to stay in the rotation earlier in the season instead of Walker. They’re going to be upset again this time around.

Turnbull will look to serve as a potential long man in the Phillies bullpen. He can eat up innings if one of the starters can’t make it deep into a game. He’ll also provide insurance if a reliever goes down with an injury or if a starter gets injured. This might not be the ideal move for Turnbull, the Phillies or the fans, but it’s a move that’s going to happen.