Derrick

Turnbow

The Angels just believe that Turnbow is tired after a long season. Considering that he pitched 84 innings of relief between the minors and the majors and also saw time with Team USA in the fall, it was surprising that the Angels sent Turnbow to Puerto Rico in the first place. Since the hard-throwing right-hander will be out of options next spring, he’s almost guaranteed a spot in the Anaheim bullpen.

Turnbow continues to further distance himself from the closer’s role by pitching so poorly. He hasn’t been able to go three straight outings without allowing a run since June, suggesting that the end of his struggles isn’t in sight. At this point, it’s doubtful he’ll get more than a few scavenger save opportunities the rest of the season, and even then manager Ned Yost could look to other options.

Turnbow gave up a homer to Rich Aurilia, the first batter he faced. He then got a groundout, walked Brandon Phillips, struck out Juan Castro and walked pinch-hitter Edwin Encarnacion. Turnbow was replaced by Francisco Cordero with runners at the corners after Phillips stole third and had to watch as Cordero get the save. It might be some time before Turnbow sees any additional save chances, though Ned Yost has displayed remarkable patience with him.

Turnbow entered with the Brewers down 4-1 and two doubles, a single, and a homer scored three runs for the Cardinals. He’s not ready to return to closing yet, and it’s looking more likely he won’t get a chance to retake the duties this season.

“They talked to me today, and it’s understandable,” said Turnbow, who has been unable to finish off six of his last seven save opportunities. “Right now, it’s too risky with me back there.” Turnbow, who is being replaced by Francisco Cordero, will be used in middle relief for now. Maybe he’ll get another chance later on, but it’s more likely that he’ll be a setup man even if he bounces all the way back.

“The thing you don’t do when you get into these little streaks is panic,” Yost said. “The biggest mistake is to panic and start messing with guys’ roles.” Turnbow has blown four of his last seven save attempts. He will get a chance to blow at least one more before the Brewers give him a break from the role.

Since blowing back-to-back chances earlier this month, Turnbow has four saves and a win while pitching scoreless innings in each of his last five appearances. His job is completely secure once again.

Since blowing three saves in four chances, Turnbow has picked up two saves and a win while throwing scoreless innings in each of his last three appearances. He’s regained some job security.

Turnbow isn’t pitching badly enough to be in danger of losing his job, but he has blown three of his last six save chances. His ERA currently stands at 4.18. Should he continue to struggle over the next couple of weeks, the Brewers could look at Matt Wise as a short-term replacement.

Turnbow’s job is going to be in serious danger if he doesn’t get turned around quickly. Matt Wise has pitched better than Dan Kolb lately, so he should be next in line for saves.