In this weekend’s notes, one Detroit Tigers player leads the Grapefruit League in home runs, a former reliever is back in the fold and Spencer Turnbull make his return to the rotation and more as we look around Major League Baseball.

Spencer Turnbull makes his first start of the spring

As quickly as fans forget that Toronto put up 11 runs before Detroit could record an out in the 4th, there was the debut of Spencer Turnbull. Turnbull, pitching in his first start since June 4th, 2021 against the White Sox, pitched two innings, allowing one run on two hits and striking out a pair. His slider was already in midseason form with late, sharp breaking action. His fastball was around 93-95.

Spencer Turnbull on his return to real competition: "Definitely a lot of adrenaline…I didn't feel out of control, but definitely cool to have everybody here and be able to feel that spirit. Felt the Lord's presence with me, felt that electricity. It was like a different joy."

— Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) March 4, 2023

One of the interesting stats that stand out about the 2023 rotation is not one single starter threw more than 100 innings. Turnbull, who threw 148.1 innings in 2019, is expected to be in the backend of the rotation. Manager A.J. Hinch has said he will watch the innings the starters will throw early on, so expect a slow ramp up.

Trevor Rosenthal Returns to Detroit

Veteran reliever Trevor Rosenthal, who spent time with Detroit in 2019, has signed a minor league deal with the ballclub. Per Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, he will $2 million if he makes the Tigers roster. There are also up to $2 million in incentive bonuses. Rosenthal has not pitched in the majors since 2020 as he has been out with thoracic outlet syndrome. If he can return to his 2020 form, the Tigers could use him as a potential trade chip.

Tigers and MLB bits:

Parker Meadows is 6-for-18 (.333/.333/.778)
Miguel Cabrera went yard for the first time this spring on Saturday against Toronto. He will be heading to play for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic.
Riley Greene continues to have a good spring. He’s 5-for-13 with a home run and a double
Jake Rogers leads the Grapefruit League in home runs with three.
White Sox pitcher Mike Cleveinger will not face discipline by Major League Baseball following an investigation that started in 2022 over violating the MLB joint policy on domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.
MLB is ready to take over broadcasting games if Bally Sports files for bankruptcy. The 30-day grace period will end on March 15th.