Jun 26, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Spencer Turnbull (22) delivers against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
We're not sure if the phenomenon is uniquely Philadelphian, but Philly sports fans sure do love familiar names.
Check the comments under any clip of a Rhys Hoskins home run, for example. You're guaranteed to find someone saying that the Phils should have kept him on the squad (or, perhaps more likely, "should of kept").
Cole Hamels is in spring training as a guest instructor? Let's check on his velo.
Jimmy Butler is seeking a trade? What are we waiting for.
Jeremiah Trotter has a son? Yeah, that's our new linebacker.
New offseason plan for the Eagles:
- draft Jeremiah Trotter Jr. as a LB
- re-sign Jeremiah Trotter as a DT pic.twitter.com/EfWSq48tVU
So when the New York Post's Jon Heyman reported that Spencer Turnbull is auditioning for a major league contract, it didn't take long for fans to speculate about the righthander joining the Phils' bullpen.
Bring him back DOMBROWSKI
It's not a crazy idea. Turnbull posted a 1.67 ERA and 0.84 WHIP in six April starts for the 2024 Phillies. He was less dominant after switching to a relief role in May, but still maintained a 2.65 ERA for the year. A strained lat muscle ended his season in June.
Atta boy, atta boy pic.twitter.com/EfIBvTZ0gT
The Phillies, meanwhile, could certainly use another righthanded arm in the bullpen. PhillyVoice's Evan Macy notes the ghastly ERAs of RHPs Jordan Romano (12.60), Joe Ross (6.35), Jose Ruiz (7.36), and Carlos Hernandez (9.00) in this piece suggesting a Turnbull-Phils reunion.
The knock on Turnbull, of course, is his injury history. But even a short stint with the team could be useful while guys like Romano get their acts together.
Phillies Nation's Destiny Lugardo writes, however, that "the Phillies pretty much closed the door on re-signing Turnbull when they inked Joe Ross to a one-year deal." In addition, "Turnbull would likely prefer an opportunity to start, and the Phillies do not have any open spots in the rotation."
So maybe it's not meant to be with this particular old friend. Let's go see what Brad Lidge is up to.
