• Full name Spencer Ketcham Turnbull
  • Born 09/18/1992 in Demopolis, AL
  • Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 210 / Bats: R / Throws: R
  • School Alabama
  • Debut 09/14/2018
  • Drafted in the 2nd round (63rd overall) by the Detroit Tigers in 2014 (signed for $900,000).
    View Draft Report
    A Mississippi prep product, Turnbull has been a key piece of Alabama's turnaround as a program since his freshman season, when the Crimson Tide won just 21 games and finished in last place in the Southeastern Conference. He's grown from a part-time starter that season into the staff workhorse and ace the last two seasons, with a power repertoire and improved delivery. Turnbull has a physical frame that suggests a mid-rotation starter at 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, though his arm action and somewhat violent delivery are more reminiscent of a reliever. Turnbull has below-average command but throws quality stuff that's hard to square up, with a four-seam fastball that reaches 97 mph and sits 90-95. He also throws a hard, heavy two-seamer, and the Tide coaching staff compares him favorably to current Brewers farmhand Jimmy Nelson. Turnbull has improved the spin on his breaking ball, honing it into more of a power slider than the hybrid it used to be. He also throws a cutter and changeup, though neither is consistent. While his delivery is a bit smoother than it used to be, Turnbull projects as a reliever for most scouts, which likely pushes him into the third round of the draft.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Draft Prospects

Minor League Top Prospects

Best Tools List

  • Rated Best Slider in the Detroit Tigers in 2019

Scouting Reports

Career Transactions

  • Detroit Tigers sent RHP Spencer Turnbull on a rehab assignment to Toledo Mud Hens.
  • Detroit Tigers sent RHP Spencer Turnbull on a rehab assignment to West Michigan Whitecaps.
  • Detroit Tigers sent RHP Spencer Turnbull on a rehab assignment to West Michigan Whitecaps.
  • Detroit Tigers sent RHP Spencer Turnbull on a rehab assignment to West Michigan Whitecaps.
  • Detroit Tigers transferred RHP Spencer Turnbull from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list. Neck discomfort.
  • Detroit Tigers placed RHP Spencer Turnbull on the 15-day injured list retroactive to May 7, 2023. Neck discomfort.

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