The Philadelphia Phillies are about to receive reinforcements. Pitchers Ranger Suárez, Taijuan Walker, and Spencer Turnbull are all expected to rejoin the pitching staff soon. Who is the odd man out in the opening lineup?
There are only so many positions in a team’s starting lineup. Most teams use a five-man rotation, however six-man rotations are also used on occasion. The Phillies have Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Cristopher Sánchez in the starting rotation. Suárez will rejoin the rotation once he is recovered. That leaves one seat available.
The Phillies announce an unpopular plan for Spencer Turnbull when he returns.
The Phillies are in a difficult position when it comes to the fifth spot in the rotation. Walker will receive $72 million from the organization as a starting pitcher. Despite his struggles since arriving in Philadelphia, the right-handed pitcher will remain in the rotation during the regular season. Baseball is a business, thus players will play when they earn that much money. What does this signify for Turnbull when he comes back from injury?
According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies intend to return Turnbull to the bullpen once his shoulder has fully recovered.
Turnbull began the season in the starting rotation while Walker was on the injured list. The 31-year-old pitched exceptionally well before transitioning to the bullpen once Walker was well. Turnbull was not as successful as a relief as he was as a starter. He was given another start on June 26 against the Detroit Tigers, but he only lasted three innings due to injury.
Turnbull has a 2-0 record and a 1.78 ERA in seven starts this season. Opponents were hitting.146 against him. This season, the right-hander has a 4.26 ERA in ten relief appearances, with a.257 batting average against.
Earlier this season, Phillies supporters called for Turnbull to replace Walker in the rotation. They’ll be upset again this time.
Turnbull will look to be a potential long man in the Phillies’ bullpen. He can chew up innings if one of the starters is unable to pitch deep into a game. He will also provide insurance if a reliever or a starter get hurt. This may not be the best move for Turnbull, the Phillies, or the fans, but it will happen.
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