Although the Detroit Tigers have struggled this season, Spencer Turnbull has been a bright spot. After having a career year in 2020, the Alabama native has been even better this year. Through eight starts, he has the lowest ERA of any Tigers starter. While the season is far from over, Turnbull has already joined a special company. As the season continues, he will be looking to build on his strong start in his fourth MLB season.
In 46 innings of work, the former second-round pick has posted a 2.93 ERA. He has also shown excellent control and only allowed one home run. While the Tigers pitching staff has posted a 4.32 ERA, Turnbull is the only starter with an ERA under 3.00. On May 18, he etched his way into the history as he delivered the Tigers’ top highlight of the season so far.
Against the Seattle Mariners, Turnbull threw the eighth no-hitter in Tigers history. In that start, he relied on his fastball while mixing in his sinker and changeup. Although Turnbull did show some fatigue in the ninth, he was able to make history. In his latest start, the Alabama product continued to impress by allowing one run in 5.2 innings of work.
Spencer Trumbull tossed the 5th no-hitter of the #MLB Season & 8th in Tigers history last night👀🔥Will we see double digit no-no’s this year?#DetroitRoots #MakeItMajor
pic.twitter.com/CgUkTU2VOO— Talking The Line Sports Media™️ (@TalkingTheLine) May 19, 2021
Through the first two months of the season, the Tigers righty has held opponents to a .208 average. In May, he only allowed more than three earned runs in one start. Even when runners have gotten on base, he has limited the damage and gone at least five innings in seven of his eight starts. The majority of the time, Turnbull has taken the mound this season; he has given Detroit a chance to win.
In Turnbull’s latest start, his growth was on full display. Against the Yankees, he walked three batters in a five-batter span. The twenty-eight-year-old was able to recover and forced a double play to end the inning. He was dominant for the remainder of the game as he retired 12 of the last 14 batters he faced. As the Tigers swept, the New York Yankees Turnbull played an important role.
With four wins this season, Turnbull has already tied his career-high, which he set last year. In his fourth major league season, he is showing that last year was no fluke. As the season continues, his development will be a key storyline to watch in what has already been a memorable season for the Tigers starter.
Check us out on our socials:
Twitter: @PTSTNews and @TalkPrimeTime
Facebook Page: Prime Time Sports Talk
Join our Facebook Group: Prime Time Sports Talk
Instagram: @ptsportstalk
Follow Jamie Gatlin On Twitter @JamieGatlin17
Main Image Credit:
Embed from Getty Images
