Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman is reporting that the Detroit Tigers are calling up pitching prospect Jacob Turner. Just two weeks ago Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said it was "unlikely" Turner would be called up this year, but now it appears he is set to join the big leagues.
Turner started 17 games in Double-A Erie this year. His record was 3-5 and his ERA was 3.48. Turner pitched 113.2 innings with the SeaWolves and had a WHIP of 1.179.
This move comes out of left field considering what Dombrowski recently said and considering Turner has been mentioned as possible trade bait should the Tigers go after a big-time pitcher. There was talk that Turner could be included in a package to acquire Ubaldo Jimenez from the Colorado Rockies, although that is just one of the many rumors out there.
What's not clear right now is what the Tigers have planned for Turner. Given how much their fifth starters have struggled, it would appear he is joining the Tigers to take over that spot in the rotation, but there's no indication of when he will make his first start. Duane Below is scheduled to start Saturday's game against the Angels as of right now, but obviously that could change if Turner is in fact joining the team.
As for any official word from the Tigers, they aren't saying anything about Turner right now. Jason Beck reports that Turner is not with Double-A Erie, but the Tigers are declining to comment on his status for the time being.