Career Timeline of Spencer Turnbull: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 19, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Spencer Turnbull made an impact.

Spencer Ketcham Turnbull is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Chicago Cubs in Major League Baseball (MLB). Prior to joining the Cubs, he played for the Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Toronto Blue Jays. Turnbull is a pitcher in MLB.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2013: Became Alabama's Top Starting Pitcher

In 2013, Spencer Turnbull became the top starting pitcher for the Alabama Crimson Tide. After the 2013 season, he also played collegiate summer baseball with the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

2014: Drafted by Detroit Tigers

In 2014, the Detroit Tigers selected Spencer Turnbull in the second round of the MLB draft. He signed with the Tigers and received a $900,600 signing bonus. He began his professional career with the GCL Tigers and was later promoted to the Low–A Connecticut Tigers.

2015: Played with the West Michigan Whitecaps

In 2015, Turnbull played with the Single-A West Michigan Whitecaps, where he achieved an 11-3 record with a 3.01 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 22 starts.

2017: Added to Tigers 40-man Roster

After the 2017 season, the Detroit Tigers added Spencer Turnbull to their 40-man roster.

2017: Played for Lakeland Flying Tigers and Erie SeaWolves

In 2017, Spencer Turnbull started with the High-A Lakeland Flying Tigers, compiling a 7–3 record and 3.05 ERA in 15 starts. He then finished the season with the Double-A Erie SeaWolves, where he had an 0–3 record and 6.20 ERA in four starts.

2018: MLB Debut with the Detroit Tigers

In 2018, Spencer Turnbull returned to Erie, started for the SeaWolves and Toledo Mud Hens, and was then promoted to the major leagues by the Detroit Tigers on September 11. He made his MLB debut on September 14, pitching a 1-2-3 inning against the Cleveland Indians, finishing with an 0–2 record in 4 appearances.

2019: Made Starting Rotation and Earned First MLB Win

In 2019, Turnbull made the starting rotation out of spring training and earned his first MLB win on April 23. He finished the season with a 3–17 record in 30 starts, a 4.61 ERA, and 146 strikeouts, leading the major leagues with 17 losses and having the lowest run support.

July 31, 2020: Earned First Win in 19 Starts

On July 31, 2020, Spencer Turnbull earned a win in a 7–2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. It was his first win in his last 19 starts and his first-ever win at home at Comerica Park. He started 11 games during the 2020 season, with a 4-4 record, a 3.97 ERA, and 51 strikeouts.

May 18, 2021: Turnbull Throws a No-Hitter

On May 18, 2021, Spencer Turnbull threw a no-hitter against the Seattle Mariners while playing for the Detroit Tigers. He recorded nine strikeouts and two walks in the 5–0 victory. It was the first no-hitter by a Tiger since 2011.

April 2, 2023: Returned to Major Leagues

On April 2, 2023, Turnbull returned to the major leagues, allowing seven runs in a game against the Tampa Bay Rays. He struggled in subsequent starts, leading to him being optioned to Triple-A Toledo on May 7.

November 17, 2023: Made Free Agent

On November 17, 2023, the Detroit Tigers did not tender a contract to Spencer Turnbull, making him a free agent.

February 14, 2024: Signed with the Philadelphia Phillies

On February 14, 2024, Spencer Turnbull signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. He later made his first start with the Phillies on April 2, pitching five innings and allowing no earned runs. Turnbull logged a 2.65 ERA with 58 strikeouts in 17 games.

May 5, 2025: Signed with the Toronto Blue Jays

On May 5, 2025, Spencer Turnbull signed a major league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays and was optioned to the Florida Complex League Blue Jays. He registered a 1-1 record and 7.11 ERA in three appearances.