TORONTO, CANADA – JULY 18: The front logo decal on the batting helmet of Jose Reyes #7 of the Toronto Blue Jays before the start of MLB game action against the Texas Rangers on July 18, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
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The Toronto Blue Jays were hit with yet another injury setback in their tumultuous season and it seems like they’ll be searching for some roster help soon.
On Monday, news broke that the team was placing frontline starter Dylan Cease on the injured list following a hamstring strain. Cease joined teammates Shane Bieber, Max Scherzer, Jose Berrios and Cody Ponce as notable starters who are sidelined as the Blue Jays look to turn their season around.
And with the rotation so depleted, the team could look to its minor-league depth or available external options for some help.
“For the immediate term, the Blue Jays added right-handed reliever Tanner Andrews to the roster, filling the final spot on their 40-man,” Ben Nicholson-Smith wrote for Sportsnet. “With five days’ notice, it’s also possible the Blue Jays look outside of the organization and attempt a trade.”
Toronto Blue Jays’ Former Pitcher Spencer Turnbull Leaves Major League Baseball
As the Blue Jays explore their options for some rotation depth, they’ve gotten an update on a starter who was a bit of a disappointment last year, as Spencer Turnbull has left Major League Baseball altogether to continue his career in the Mexican Northern League.
Turnbull racked up five strikeouts in two and one-third innings in his debut for the league’s Cerveceros de Tecate, according to MLive Media’s Evan Woodbery.
Turnbull’s final major-league start came with the Blue Jays last year, though the team released him after he posted a 7.11 ERA with five earned runs in six and one-third innings, which included one start.
After being cut by the Blue Jays, Turnbull signed a minor-league deal with the Chicago Cubs and was released, then joined the Kansas City Royals organization without seeing a big-league start either.
Former Toronto Blue Jays Starter Derailed By Injury Setbacks
Now, he has left the big leagues after a seven-year career with 68 total starts and 363 total innings.
“After a decent performance in the shortened 2020 campaign, injuries derailed Turnbull’s career,” Charlie Wright wrote for MLB Trade Rumors. “He got off to a strong start in 2021, including a no-hitter against the Mariners, but went down with a forearm strain after nine appearances. The injury eventually required Tommy John surgery. Turnbull missed all of 2022. He came back the following season but was limited to seven starts with a neck injury.”
Turnbull will have to display better health if he is looking for a return to the major leagues. And, in the meantime, the last thing the Blue Jays need is another arm that’s susceptible to injury.