In a surprising turn of events, the Toronto Blue Jays have designated right-handed pitcher Spencer Turnbull for assignment as they welcome back ace Max Scherzer from the injured list. This move marks a significant shift in the Jays' pitching roster, highlighting Turnbull's turbulent season.

Turnbull's Underwhelming Season Comes to a Head

At 32, Spencer Turnbull was once a coveted free agent after a strong showing with the Philadelphia Phillies last year, boasting an impressive 2.65 ERA over 54 1/3 innings. Despite his considerable talent, the Blue Jays were unable to channel his potential into effective gameplay this season.

With a decent strikeout rate of 26.1% and an average walk rate of 9%, Turnbull seemed like a prime candidate to bolster the rotation. However, a lat strain and inconsistent assignments between the rotation and the bullpen limited his effectiveness and kept him off the field for most of the second half of 2022.

From Promising Acquisition to DFA Candidate

The Blue Jays took a chance on Turnbull in May, signing him to a prorated $1 million salary. Yet, after missing all of spring training and struggling to regain his velocity—averaging under 90 mph on his fastball—his performance failed to meet expectations. After two respectable relief appearances, a disappointing start against the White Sox sealed his fate.

Now sporting a troubling 7.11 ERA, his future with the team became increasingly precarious as other pitchers excelled in the rotation, including Eric Lauer, who has dazzled with a 2.21 ERA.

What's Next for Turnbull?

As the Blue Jays make strides to solidify their rotation with Scherzer, Gausman, and Bassitt, Turnbull's designation for assignment paves the way for potential relocation. With heaving competition for pitching roles, the timing of this move comes as teams may hesitate to take a risk on his current form.

The waiver process can last up to a week, giving other teams a chance to consider Turnbull's value. Given his track record from 2019-2021, where he maintained a 4.13 ERA, teams might view him as an attractive low-risk option, especially if he can be had for the prorated league minimum.

While Turnbull's journey in Toronto may be coming to an end, his career is far from over. Keep an eye on his next steps as he potentially seeks new opportunities to reclaim his former glory on the mound.