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Philadelphia Phillies Agree To Deal With Former Tigers Starter

The Philadelphia Phillies have added some back-of-the-rotation depth to their roster going into spring training.

The Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a one-year contract with pitcher Spencer Turnbull, a move set to fortify their pitching staff for next season.

Per the New York Post and other outlets, Turnbull will make $2 million in 2024 with $2 million more incentives.

Turnbull has spent his entire career with the Detroit Tigers as a starter. Last season he started seven games, going 1-4 with a 7.26 ERA.

Turnbull was making a return from Tommy John surgery. He underwent the procedure after a right forearm strain in June of 2021 eventually revealed he needed the procedure. He missed the entire 2022 season rehabilitating the injury.

He returned in April of last season and gave up seven runs on eight hits in less than three innings of work in his first game against Tampa Bay. After seven starts, the Tigers optioned him to Triple-A Toledo and he later went on the Mud Hens’ injured list with neck discomfort.

He spent most of the rest of the season on the injured list. The Tigers non-tendered him, allowing him to hit free agency.

The former second-round pick out of Alabama made his MLB debut in 2018 and earned a full-time starting role in 2019. That season he had the distinction of leading the Majors in losses, as he went 3-17 with a 4.61 ERA.

He stabilized his career in 2020 with a 4-2 record and a 3.97 ERA in the COVID-shortened season and he went 4-2 with a 2.88 ERA in 2021 before the injury.

For his career he is 12-29 with a 4.55 ERA.