Tigers place RHP Spencer Turnbull on 10-day injured list, recall OF Victor Reyes

The Detroit Tigers have placed right-handed starter Spencer Turnbull on the 10-day injured list with right shoulder fatigue. Turnbull exited his start against the Texas Rangers on Thursday after just two innings. Fans and media members alike were held in the dark until after the game, when manager Ron Gardenhire mentioned that Turnbull had suffered some shoulder soreness, and an MRI revealed no structural damage.

Turnbull has enjoyed a solid rookie season for the Tigers in 2019. Through 17 starts, Turnbull has a 3.31 ERA. He has struck out 84 hitters in 89 ²⁄₃ innings, and has produced a solid 3.91 FIP. He ranks first among AL rookie pitchers with 1.8 fWAR, and is third overall, behind Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe (2.3 fWAR) and Mariners designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach (2.1 fWAR).

Though shoulder injuries are never good for a pitcher, this could be a precautionary move for Turnbull and the Tigers. Turnbull has suffered shoulder injuries in the past when in the minor leagues, but remained healthy for nearly all of 2018 before winning a job in the Tigers’ rotation in spring training.

The schedule also works out for the Tigers’ favor, for the most part. The Tigers will have an off day on Monday to help set their rotation for the coming week. The MLB All-Star break starts one week later, and runs from July 8 through July 11. Turnbull will be eligible to come off the injured list when the second half begins. The only wrench? A doubleheader on Wednesday, July 3.

In Turnbull’s place, the Tigers have recalled outfielder Victor Reyes. This will presumably be a one-day move, as the Tigers are still in need of a starter for Saturday’s matchup against the Washington Nationals. Both Ryan Carpenter and Gregory Soto remain on the 40-man roster, and are possible options for the game. Soto would be working on three day’s rest, something he has done for the Tigers already in 2019. The Tigers will also need a second starter for a Wednesday doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox.

When not being recalled to Detroit in short stints, Reyes has quietly enjoyed a solid season down in the minors. He has hit .302/.325/.485 with 14 doubles and nine home runs in 61 games for Triple-A Toledo. He is 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in four plate appearances for the Tigers in 2019. Reyes has mostly split his time defensively between center and right field down in the minors.