The bad news is that Detroit Tigers pitcher Spencer Turnbull’s season is over as it was announced that he’d be undergoing Tommy John surgery, ending his 2021 campaign and putting next season in serious doubt.
The good news? It’ll be a “sweeter” story, according to manager A.J. Hinch.
“These players, their careers are in their hands and we have a lot of respect for what they go through when they’re just playing the game. When they have to come back from injury, it’s going to be a better, sweeter story for him,” said Hinch.
Regardless, it’s still a disappointment to lose Turnbull in what was the middle of a career season, as he threw a no-hitter in May and had a career-best 2.88 ERA through nine starts.
“For us, the frustrating part on a lot of fronts, we lose a really good pitcher,” said Hinch.
The procedure is expected to take place at the end of the month.
“It seems like we’re seeing more and more injuries to pitchers over time, whether it’s how they’re training or how we’re using them or the rigors of the season,” said Hinch. “It’s unfortunately becoming more and more routine to go through big surgeries like this.
“He’ll bounce back and be really good — he’s got a long career ahead of himself. But he’s got a long rehab first.”
– – Quotes via Audacy Link – –
