Detroit Tigers: Turnbull aims to rebound against light-hitting Marlins

The Detroit Tigers open a three-game series against the Miami Marlins, current holders of the MLB’s worst record, on Tuesday night at Comerica Park.

During what has been a nearly flawless early-season run for Detroit Tigers rookie right-hander Spencer Turnbull, only one start can really be pointed at as a black mark. Even that start only featured one earned run surrendered by the 26-year-old.

This aforementioned start was the very last for the breakout star Turnbull when he gave up six runs and walked two batters in a blowout loss to the Oakland Athletics. Even though the Tigers defense couldn’t help the young starter and only one of those six runs was earned, Turnbull will be looking to rebound against the light-hitting Miami Marlins Tuesday night.

Turnbull only lasted four innings against the Athletics, tying a season-low previously achieved Apr. 11 against the Cleveland Indians. His ERA was lowered to a sparkling 2.40 after last week’s contest, a remarkable feat through nine starts this season.

The early-season mastery for Turnbull is starting to catch the attention of the national baseball world as well, as Turnbull placed third in MLB.com’s American League Rookie of the Year poll Tuesday morning. Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe and Boston Red Sox second baseman Michael Chavis finished ahead of him, in that order.

Tigers fans will be able to see Turnbull take the hill Tuesday evening against the Marlins to open a three-game series for the Tigers, and given the hunger of the young star combined with his most recent results, chances are we’re in for an exciting performance tonight from the determined Turnbull.

It also helps that the Marlins roll into town with one of the league’s worst offenses, one which owns a .219 team batting average and a major league-low 27 home runs. These poor marks, combined with another night of chilly weather at Comerica Park could signal a low run output for the visitors.

The Marlins are led at the plate by former Philadelphia Phillies catcher Jorge Alfaro, who leads the team with six home runs. Former Detroit Tigers fan-favorite Curtis Granderson is second on the team with five.

All in all, the combination of Turnbull’s desire for a bounce-back effort, a weak-hitting Marlins team and more chilly conditions in Detroit could equal another classic performance for the Tigers budding ace.

How do you think Spencer Turnbull will fare tonight against the Marlins? Feel free to share your predictions in the comment section below.