Detroit Tigers: Spencer Turnbull returns to mound Monday night

The Detroit Tigers have seen countless injuries hamper their starting rotation in 2019, but now one starter is ready to make his return.

When it comes to pitching staff injuries, the Detroit Tigers have found themselves in some rough situations this season when it comes to adjusting the starting rotation. However, finally, a bit of positive pitching news comes Detroit’s way as rookie standout starter Spencer Turnbull is set to return to the mound on Monday night after being sidelined since mid-July.

On July 18th, the Detroit Tigers placed Spencer Turnbull on the IL with an upper back strain, his second IL stint of the season. The 26-year-old was impressing Detroit fans with several strong performances through April and May and even found himself popping up in some Rookie of the Year conversations, but two trips to the IL have most likely derailed any hopes for that.

The right-hander has had a very solid rookie campaign so far, showing signs of being a reliable middle-rotation arm for the Tigers in years to come. So far in 2019, Turnbull has a 3.65 ERA and a solid 8.0 K/9 ratio through 19 starts.

Turnbull’s last outing came on July 17th at Progressive Field in Cleveland against the Indians. He lasted six innings and surrendered three earned runs on six hits in a game which Detroit would go on to lose 7-2.

Monday night’s start will be the first time in his career that Turnbull will take the mound against the Chicago White Sox. Chicago tends to have a lineup dominated by righty bats, which could favor Turnbull somewhat as right-handed hitters are batting .217 against him this season, as opposed to .289 for lefty hitters.

Detroit Tigers fans have often seen the team scramble to try and fill spots in the starting rotation this season, so having Turnbull back is a nice relief as it means the return of at least a little bit of stability. Hopefully, Spencer can stay healthy and finish out what has been an impressive rookie campaign.