Tigers pitcher Spencer Turnbull faces live hitters for the first time since Tommy John surgery

Detroit Tigers pitcher Spencer Turnbull threw a no-hitter on May 18, 2021. A month later he was injured and a few months after that he underwent Tommy John surgery on his right arm — effectively ending his 2021 season and robbing him of the 2022 season as well.

He hasn't pitched against MLB hitters since June of 2021, but that all changed for Turnbull down in Lakeland, Florida on Thursday as he participated in his first spring training back with the team. On Thursday, in what must have felt like a major milestone, Turnbull threw against live hitters.

“Definitely a little nervous,” Turnbull said, recapping the experience via Jason Beck of MLB.com. “I felt like a baby deer out there, but it was good to be back out there. … I’m glad to get that feeling back, to remember what it’s like to pitch in front of people and stuff.”

It has certainly been a long road of recovery for Turnbull and the Tigers will be glad to have him back. Their starting rotation was decimated by injury last season and Turnbull was far from the only big name in the lineup who was unavailable. Potential ace Tarik Skubal threw 21 starts before undergoing flexor tendon surgery. Speaking of Tommy John, Detroit's No. 1 overall pick in 2018, Casey Mize, will likely miss most or all of this season as he recovers from both Tommy John and back surgery this offseason.

The Tigers aren't expected to be great this season — yet again — but having a veteran like Turnbull in the lineup, who has good stuff, is going to be important. Speaking of his stuff, it is worth noting that the righty likes where he's at so far.

“Fastball’s coming out pretty good, felt nice and easy,” Turnbull said. “Movement was there, location wasn’t bad. Felt my curveball was really good today. Slider and changeup, a little subpar, but it’ll get there once I get used to it.”

Turnbull pitched nine games (50 innings) in 2021, notching 44 strikeouts with 12 walks. He had a 4-2 record with a 0.980 WHIP and a 2.88 ERA.