The Philadelphia Phillies have flaunted the league’s top starting rotation since day one this season. It’s like owning a Ferrari but fussing over where to park it. The one persistent wrinkle? The fifth spot in their rotation has been like that annoying pebble in your shoe all year, and it’s only getting more bothersome. Taijuan Walker hit the injured list recently, and now his stand-in might join him sooner than expected.
Spencer Turnbull, having a career renaissance in 2024 with the Phillies, abruptly exited Wednesday’s game after just three innings, citing a pesky right shoulder issue to the press corps. Talk about bad timing! He not only missed a chance to solidify his spot long-term but also squandered a 3-1 lead against his former squad, the Detroit Tigers. Turnbull’s numbers this season? A pristine 3-0 record and a stingy 2.65 ERA over 54.1 innings.
The Phillies boast Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suárez, and Cristopher Sánchez as their elite top four, a luxury few contenders can brag about. But to navigate the season’s remainder, they need one more starter to rise to the occasion.
Sure, they could coast into October with their fab four leading the charge, but even before Turnbull’s untimely injury, savvy GM Dave Dombrowski might have eyed another arm to bolster the rotation via trade. Now, that’s almost a certainty.
No need to rush decisions yet; Turnbull’s IL fate is pending. But mark my words: Wednesday’s setback could be a make-or-break juncture, determining just how aggressive Philly will be at the impending trade deadline.
