Phillies Lose Breakout Pitcher to Injured List for Foreseeable Future

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JUNE 26: Spencer Turnbull #22 of the Philadelphia Phillies rubs at Comerica Park on June 26, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.

The Philadelphia Phillies have gotten contributions from several breakout stars en route to the best record in baseball — 53-27 through Wednesday. Spencer Turnbull certainly falls squarely in that group.

Turnbull, 31, signed a one-year, $2 million contract in February, with performance bonuses that could take the contract to a maximum of $4 million. So far he's proven to be a bargain, going 3-0 with a 2.65 ERA in 17 games (seven starts).

Not only will Turnbull have a hard time checking off his contract incentives, but the Phillies will be without one of their best pitchers for the next six weeks after the team announced the right-hander has a strained lat.

Turnbull started Wednesday's game against the Detroit Tigers but left after three innings due to right shoulder soreness. He told reporters after the game, including Matt Gelb of The Athletic, that he didn't think the issue was too serious. Now, the club has determined the issue is serious enough to send Turnbull to the injured list through the All-Star break and beyond.

The Phillies have enjoyed enviable depth in their rotation and bullpen en route to their breakout season. Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Christoper Sanchez, and Ranger Suarez would be the projected starters in a seven-game series if the postseason began today.

Veteran Taijuan Walker (3-3, 5.60 ERA in 10 starts) rounds out the Phillies' five-man rotation when healthy, but he's been on the injured list since last Friday with a finger issue. Turnbull had just moved back into the rotation as Walker's replacement.

Turnbull was non-tendered by the Tigers after a 2023 season in which he went 1-4 with a 7.26 ERA in seven starts, dealing with injuries much of the year.

Rookie Michael Mercado, 25, was recalled from the minors when Walker was hurt last week, and made his debut out of the Phillies' bullpen. Mercado had a 1.71 ERA with Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 14 games (10 starts) and could get the first crack at taking the fifth spot in the Phillies' rotation.

Less than a month remains before the July 20 trade deadline. The Phillies have had arguably less incentive than any club to make a deal, given their place in the standings and the lack of an obvious need to upgrade.

It's possible the Turnbull injury changes the equation. Given that he could return in August, however, expect the Phillies to wait and see what they have in Mercado and others who can pitch Turnbull's innings for the foreseeable future.

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