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Detroit Tigers option Spencer Turnbull to Triple-A Toledo after 7.26 ERA in seven starts

ST. LOUIS — Detroit Tigers right-hander Spencer Turnbull, who missed all of last season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, needs to execute his pitches.

He knows that, and the Tigers know that.

The Tigers optioned Turnbull to Triple-A Toledo after his inconsistent performance Saturday against the St. Louis Cardinals. The 30-year-old has a 7.26 ERA in seven starts this season and has not been able to complete the sixth inning.

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Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Spencer Turnbull pitches against the St.  Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Busch Stadium on May 6, 2023 in St.  Louis, Missouri

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Spencer Turnbull pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Busch Stadium on May 6, 2023 in St. Louis, Missouri

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Tigers manager AJ Hinch and president of baseball operations Scott Harris met with Turnbull at the hotel in St. Louis after Saturday’s 6-5 win in extra innings. Turnbull allowed five runs on seven hits and one walk with six strikeouts across 4⅔ innings, throwing 63 of 92 pitches for strikes.

Hinch said the Tigers have a plan to help Turnbull improve. He will be considered to return to the Tigers in the future based on his performance with the Mud Hens.

In 2023, Turnbull has a 7.26 ERA with 15 walks and 24 strikeouts in 31 innings. He hasn’t pitched at the Triple-A level since 2019.

In his career, Turnbull owns a 12-29 record with a 4.55 ERA across 61 games (60 starts). He threw a no-hitter May 18, 2021, against the Seattle Mariners. About two months later, he underwent Tommy John surgery to reconstruct the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

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This story will be updated.

Contact Evan Petzold at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @EvanPetzold.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers option Spencer Turnbull to Triple-A Toledo