Detroit Tigers pitcher Spencer Turnbull has been placed on the 15-day injured list (IL) with neck discomfort. The move comes after Turnbull was optioned to Triple-A Toledo, only to have his option rescinded due to the injury diagnosis. Turnbull has also hired Scott Boras as his new agent as part of his comeback journey after undergoing Tommy John surgery. His performance had been struggling this season, with a 7.26 ERA in seven starts, before the neck discomfort.
The Tigers president of baseball operations, Scott Harris, has emphasized the team’s focus on Turnbull’s recovery process and his eventual return to health. Turnbull’s recent struggles highlight not only the subjectivity of injuries, but also the complexity of service time in baseball. If Turnbull spends more than 35 days in the minor leagues, his free agency year will be pushed back by a season, further complicating his future prospects.
There is a possibility that Turnbull could be traded or non-tendered this winter as tensions between the player and the organization continue to linger. However, for the time being, the Tigers are allowing Turnbull to continue earning big-league service time by placing him on the IL.
The Tigers have limited options in their rotation due to Turnbull’s absence. Eduardo Rodriguez has been performing like an ace, but there is a possibility he could choose to opt-out of his current contract after this season and test free agency. If this happens, the Tigers may look to trade him before the deadline to restructure his contract.
The Tigers front office also prioritizes players’ mental health and wellbeing, as seen with outfielder Austin Meadows, who has been out of play since April 6 due to anxiety. The team has four psychologists on staff to support players’ overall health, including their mental health.
Turnbull’s injury raises questions about the future of the Tigers’ pitching rotation and their ongoing efforts to support players’ health. While the situation with Turnbull remains uncertain, the Tigers will continue to work towards his recovery and eventual return to the field.
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