What to Make of Blue Jays’ Signing of Spencer Turnbull

Turnbull used the sweeper (33.2%) almost just as much as his four-seamer (35%), not a big velo pitch but one that plays up thanks to his low arm slot and natural cut on it. That action works to his advantage, as he didn’t give up much barreled-up contact on either it, nor his sinker or changeup.

That combination led to fewer chases but more ground balls and, overall, an effective pitcher. However, what’s been his main issues in his career are A) health and B) ability to effectively command his stuff. On some occasions, he’ll be off on his release. Between his delivery and arm action, it’s not the most repeatable motion.

Nonetheless, Turnbull was effective as a #5 starter last season.

Per the team, Spencer Turnbull will report to the FCL Blue Jays to ramp up in Dunedin. Turnbull was signed alongside journeyman Jose Urena, who most recently pitched with the Mets this season.

Analysis

General manager Ross Atkins previously stated the Blue Jays were looking at external options for their pitching staff, depleted thanks in part to the thumb injury sustained by Max Scherzer, as well as struggles from their current group of pitchers.

Teams have caught on to Bowden Francis, a star for Toronto in the second half of last season. It hasn’t helped that Francis has hung a few splitters up, as he’s given up four home runs off what became his ace secondary offering last season. Not to mention, teams are sitting on fastballs against Francis, who throws his four-seamer roughly 50-55% of the time.

It’s resulted in 11 home runs allowed this season, most in the Majors.

Toronto shifted Easton Lucas, primarily a reliever in his Minor League days, to the rotation to fill Scherzer’s spot. But while Lucas pitched well early on, the 28-year-old — who doesn’t have plus stuff — conceded five home runs and 14 earned runs over his last 6.2 IP.

Right now, it’s a tough dance for the Jays and Turnbull, despite good stuff, won’t be an option in the interim. Turnbull didn’t have a Spring Training and will need to ramp up. However, the Jays could have done worse. Turnbull, when healthy, is a versatile arm with solid stuff when healthy.

But, the question moving forward with the Jays in the interim isn’t how Toronto will handle Turnbull and Scherzer, who’s hoping to return in late May. The true question is how Francis, Lucas, Urena, and their other options handle the next few weeks. At 16-18, the Jays are only three games back of the AL East lead — but a poor stretch can be devastating.