Tigers' Spencer Turnbull to have season-ending Tommy John surgery

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Spencer Turnbull throws to a Seattle Mariners batter during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 18, 2021, in Seattle. (Ted S. Warren/AP)

DETROIT -- Tigers starting pitcher Spencer Turnbull will undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the rest of the 2021 season and most or all of 2022, the team announced Tuesday.

Turnbull, who threw a no-hitter against the Seattle Mariners on May 18, was 4-2 with a 2.88 ERA in nine starts this season. He last pitched on June 4, then went on the injured list with a strained forearm.

The 28-year-old righty went 3-17 in 2019 as Detroit lost 114 games, but came back last season with a 4-4 record and 3.97 ERA in 11 starts.

"He's been seeing an array of doctors and getting options," Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. "It wasn't an abrupt injury, but he had some chronic damage from an earlier injury. Spencer came to the conclusion that it was in his best interest, and quite frankly in our best interest, to have it done now."

Turnbull will have surgery later this month in his home state of Alabama.

When submitting content, please abide by our  submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.
We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn More or change your cookie preferences. By continuing to use this site, you agree to the use of cookies.
close