Blue Jays recall Spencer Turnbull, option Paxton Schultz

In early May, the Jays signed Turnbull and Jose Urena, with the latter having a few solid appearances before being designated for assignment. On the other hand, Turnbull was optioned to the Florida Complex League Blue Jays to build up.

While in the minor leagues, Turnbull made five starts, three in Single-A with the Dunedin Blue Jays and two with the Bisons. His performance was less than ideal, combining for a 7.13 ERA and 4.68 FIP in 17.2 innings pitched, with a 15.9 K% and a 10.2 BB%.

However, it’s important not to look too deeply into major league pitchers pitching in the minor leagues, as these appearances tend to be for progress over results. Think about Alek Manoah’s struggles in a FCL game back in 2023, where he gave up 11 earned runs.

With Turnbull, the Jays are getting some pitching depth. Last season, Turnbull appeared in 17 games for the Philadelphia Phillies, seven of which were starts. Overall, he finished with a 2.65 ERA and a 3.85 FIP in 54.1 innings pitched, a good bulk reliever who can make spot starts – exactly what the Jays need for two questionable rotation spots.

The 32-year-old right-handed pitcher has only pitched one full season in his career, back in 2019 with the Detroit Tigers. Turnbull finished that season with a 4.61 ERA and a 3.99 FIP in 148.1 innings pitched, a career-high. In the pandemic-shortened season, he made 11 starts for 56.2 innings, finishing with a 3.97 ERA and a 3.49 FIP.

Turnbull will replace Schultz on the 26-man roster, which may be a bit surprising given how well the 27-year-old has pitched so far in his big league career. Through 17.2 innings pitched, Schultz has a 3.06 ERA and a 3.41 FIP, with a 31.2 K% and a 5.2 BB%. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Schultz recalled at some point this season.

In addition to Turnbull being called up, the Jays have a handful of relievers on the Injured List who could be activated soon. Ryan Burr and Yimi Garcia resumed throwing a few days ago, and Nick Sandlin is on a rehab assignment with the FCL Jays. Add in the potential return of Angel Bastardo, Alek Manoah, and Max Scherzer, and there’s a logjam of pitchers. All three of those pitchers are on the 60-day Injured List, as is Burr.

It’s unclear what Turnbull’s role will be with the Jays, but it’s not impossible to envision him starting on their bullpen days.