Phillies sign former Tigers starter to add depth ahead of spring training.
The Philadelphia Phillies are improving their pitching ahead of the 2024 season. The Philadelphia Phillies have signed Spencer Turnbull, a former Detroit Tigers starting pitcher, according to the New York Post. Turnbull agreed to a $2 million contract with an additional $2 million in incentives.
Turnbull’s deal with Philadelphia is for one year. The pitcher has extensive experience, having made 61 appearances in his career. He tossed more than 300 innings for the Tigers, with a 4.55 lifetime ERA. Turnbull struggled in 2023, finishing 1-4 with a 7.26 ERA. Before that, he had Tommy John surgery, which forced him to miss the full 2022 season. Turnbull is undoubtedly hoping that a new start with a new squad will give the pitcher more spark and fire.
The Phillies hope to maintain their winning ways in 2024. Last season, the team won 90 games but finished second in the National League East to the red-hot Atlanta Braves. The Phillies finished 14 games behind the Braves, who won 104 games. In the National League playoffs, the Phillies defeated the Braves, but in the National League Championship Series, they lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Philadelphia last won the World Series in 2008.
Turnbull will get a chance to add depth to the Philadelphia rotation as the team prepares to begin spring training games in the coming weeks. According to MLB Trade Rumors, the pitcher may also spend time in the Phillies’ bullpen. The Phillies’ spring training games begin on February 24 against the Toronto Blue Jays.