Phillies place Spencer Turnbull on 15-day IL, recall Yunior Marte
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Spencer Turnbull made his first start since April on Wednesday. He moved back into the starting rotation after Taijuan Walker hit the injured list last week with a hot spot on his right index finger. However, Turnbull’s start only lasted three innings because of soreness in his right shoulder.
Before the Phillies’ first-of-four against the Marlins at Citizens Bank Park, the team announced that Turnbull had also been placed on the 15-day IL with a right lat strain. Right-handed reliever Yunior Marte has been recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill the spot on the active roster.
“It’s probably gonna be six weeks, could be eight weeks,” manager Rob Thomson said. “With his injury history, we’re gonna be careful with him and make sure we do this thing right.”
Turnbull started the season in the rotation and made six starts in April as Walker was recovering from a shoulder problem, and was excellent. In 32.1 innings, he was 2-0 record with a 1.67 ERA. He was shifted into the bullpen when Walker returned due to concern for his innings total and the fact that Walker is making $18 million a year.
When Walker went down, Turnbull was first pointed to fill in. Now, they need to move around so more.
Right now it sounds like it will be right-hander Michael Mercado. The 6’4, 25-year-old’s one-inning Major League inning came in Detroit on Monday where he recorded a one-two-three inning including a strikeout. He posted a 1.71 ERA with Lehigh Valley in 10 starts this year.
The Phils’ next-man-up mentality has thrived so far this season, and Mercado looks to continue it. He could get his first start on Tuesday, depending on what they do with the off day on Monday.
Marte landed on the 15-day IL on May 3 with right shoulder inflammation. He was reinstated on Tuesday and optioned to Lehigh Valley where he made 10 appearances on his rehab assignment. In 12 games for the Phillies this season, Marte has a 2.70 ERA with 12 strikeouts in 13.1 innings pitched.
He was prominent when he was in Philadelphia earlier this season, so it only helps to add him to this already electric bullpen.
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