Climbing Tal's Hill
Fansided

Houston Astros: Four starting pitchers that could be considered

By James Wehr

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 04: Manager A.J. Hinch #14 of the Houston Astros and general manager Jeff Luhnow talk during batting practice at Minute Maid Park on April 4, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 04: Manager A.J. Hinch #14 of the Houston Astros and general manager Jeff Luhnow talk during batting practice at Minute Maid Park on April 4, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
DETROIT, MI – JUNE 27: Spencer Turnbull #56 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Texas Rangers during the second inning at Comerica Park on June 27, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – JUNE 27: Spencer Turnbull #56 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Texas Rangers during the second inning at Comerica Park on June 27, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

Spencer Turnbull: Detroit Tigers – Right-Handed Starting Pitcher

As we stay in Detroit, we avert the gaze from the left-handed Boyd to the equally effective and deadly Spencer Turnbull.

The 26-year-old power pitcher is a very intriguing option that not many people are talking about. Mainly due to the aforementioned Boyd.  Turnbull has with him a commanding fastball, topping out at 95 MPH that spins at 2,400 RPM. In contrast, Gerrit Cole sits at 2,521 RPM. Trevor Bauer sits at 2,313 RPM and the league average is 2,284.

Turnbull also mixes in a changeup, cutter, slider combo to be deadly effective. His season average currently sits at 3.31 ERA, 8.4 SO/9IP, and a 2.2 pitching WAR.

Through 89.2 innings pitched, Turnbull is giving an output of 84 strikeouts and only surrendering eight home runs.

He is arbitration eligible all the way through the 2021 season, likely increasing the number of prospects it would be to pry away this young righty away from the Tigers. However, on a team that is rebuilding, the investment in Turnbull would be more promising than Boyd.

The downside is, as of June 27th, Turnbull was placed on the 10-Day IL for shoulder fatigue. This could play well into the Astros favor, as Jeff Luhnow has shown a penchant for making late deals near the deadline. Turnbull could have made a full recovery from his injury and be ready to finish out the rest of his season with the Astros in Houston.

Home/Astros News