Tigers Pitcher Returns After Two Years

He threw a no-hitter for the Detroit Tigers two years ago, but a few weeks later, his major league career would come screeching to a halt. Now, for the first time since June of 2021, starter Spencer Turnbull is ready to return to the mound. 

Spencer Turnbull is throwing his first bullpen of spring today. pic.twitter.com/6gx6cclHra

— Cody Stavenhagen (@CodyStavenhagen) February 17, 2023

"My stuff is there right now," Turnbull told Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. "I'm sure the velocity will start ticking up as I start getting the adrenaline rush in games. But I've been like 92 (mph) in my bullpens, so it's pretty close". 

The now 30-year-old is hoping to pitch a full season and regain his spot atop the Tigers rotation. Through his first nine starts of 2021, he had a 2.88 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, and a 44:12 strikeout-to-walk ratio. And, of course, the no-hitter. The eight in Tigers' franchise history.

"It feels like a lifetime ago," Turnbull said as he reported to spring training. It's been 18 months since the surgery, but he's finally ready to go. 

"All my pitches feel good. Same movements. ... The cut and sink is all back. The curveball feels better, and the changeup feels better. The slider is about where it was."

"He's in a great place," manager AJ Hinch said. "He looks really good. He looks stronger, noticeably stronger. I don't see really any issues."

That's great news for Tigers fans' ears.

Photo: Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK