In a bid to shore up a faltering pitching staff and gain traction in the highly competitive American League East, the Toronto Blue Jays are making a pair of low-risk, potentially high-reward moves. According to MLB Network, the club has agreed to deals with right-handers Spencer Turnbull and José Ureña, pending physicals.
The additions come as Toronto seeks stability in a season that’s already veering off course. Sitting at an even 16-16 record and having dropped six of their last 10 games, the Blue Jays are treading water. Their struggles are particularly glaring on the road, where they’ve posted a dismal 5-10 mark.
Searching for Stability
Turnbull, 31, offers upside despite lingering injury concerns. He last pitched in 2024 for the Philadelphia Phillies, where he showed promise with a 3-0 record and versatility as both a starter and reliever. While he hasn’t seen action in 2025 due to a recovery process, the Blue Jays are banking on a healthy return adding depth to a staff thinned by injuries and inconsistency.
José Ureña, meanwhile, is more of a reclamation project. The veteran righty made just one appearance this year for the New York Mets, surrendering five earned runs in three innings for a 15.00 ERA before being designated for assignment. However, his past experience as a starter may provide the Blue Jays with a much-needed innings-eater or a bullpen option as they navigate a stretch of inconsistent performances.
Injuries and Expectations
The club had hoped to lean on three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer this season, who joined Toronto on a one-year deal. But a thumb injury has kept the veteran sidelined since a lone March appearance, leaving a leadership and performance void in the rotation.
Toronto’s front office appears to be opting for affordable reinforcements while hoping for internal improvements. With the AL East once again shaping up to be one of baseball’s toughest divisions, the Blue Jays can’t afford to fall too far behind—especially with underwhelming road performances and a rotation in flux.
While neither Turnbull nor Ureña offers a guaranteed solution, the Blue Jays are hoping these moves can at least stabilize the staff long enough for the offense to pick up the slack—or for Scherzer to return.
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