Royals Announce Move for Former Tigers Star on Saturday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Aug 30, 2025 2:54 PM ET

The Kansas City Royals are fighting for a playoff berth in the American League, entering Saturday with a 69–66 record and a three-game deficit behind the Seattle Mariners for the final wild card spot.

Kansas City has taken three of its last four series, with the only loss coming against the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers.

The Royals will have a chance to take a stab at Detroit this weekend as the two teams are in the midst of another three-game set, but they now face the possibility of dropping back-to-back series to their division rivals after falling 5–3 in Friday’s opener.

Royals Add Former Tigers Starting Pitcher

Ahead of Saturday’s matchup, the Royals announced the signing of former Tigers right-hander Spencer Turnbull, who pitched for Detroit from 2018 to 2021 before injuries derailed his career.

“We have signed RHP Spencer Turnbull to a minor league contract,” the team wrote.

We have signed RHP Spencer Turnbull to a minor league contract.
— Raising Royals (@KCRoyalsPD) August 30, 2025

Turnbull’s addition provides depth to a pitching staff that’s been hit hard by injuries. With rosters set to expand on September 1, Kansas City may consider giving Turnbull a look out of the bullpen.

Now 32, Turnbull has transitioned into a starter/reliever hybrid after failing to reestablish himself as a full-time starter following Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for all of 2022.

He struggled earlier this season with the Toronto Blue Jays, allowing five earned runs over 6.1 innings across three appearances.

Turnbull’s best years came in Detroit, where he posted a 2.88 ERA in his final season (2021) and threw the eighth no-hitter in Tigers history against the Seattle Mariners.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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