MLB gifted fans two more no-hitters this past week, bringing the grand total up to six for the season. Tigers’ lefty Spencer Turnbull and former Cy Young winner, Corey Kluber, joined Joe Musgrove, Carlos Rodon, John Means, and Wade Miley in the 2021 No-Hitter club (depending on who you ask, Madison Bumgarner has a part-time membership).
Let’s take a look at some of the best notes from each no-no.
A look back at last week’s MLB no hitters
Spencer Turnbull
Turnbull was a second round pick of the Tigers in 2014, out of the University of Alabama. Despite being a high pick, the 28-year old lefty has struggled during his time in the show. Prior to his no-hitter, Turnbull had a career record of 9-25. In fact, in 2019, Turnbull’s 17 losses were the most in the majors.
Turnbull is the first Tiger to throw a no-hitter since Justin Verlander did it against the Blue Jays. That start came more than ten years ago–May 7, 2011.
It was the second no-hitter ever thrown on May 18. Randy Johnson threw a perfect game against the Braves on that day back in 2004.
Corey Kluber
Unlike Turnbull, Kluber has had major success at the major league level. He’s a two-time Cy Young winner with Cleveland (2014 and 2017), as well as a three-time All-Star. The even more intriguing number with Kluber–to me–is the number one. He threw just one inning in 2020, a hitless inning at Globe Life Field. Kluber missed the rest of the season due to a tear in his right shoulder.
It was only fitting–rather poetic–that Kluber threw his first career no-hitter against the Rangers at Globe Life Field.
Kluber was the first Yankee to throw a no-hitter since David Cone tossed a perfect game on July 18, 1999.
Kluber’s no-hitter was the second ever thrown on May 19. Jon Lester threw his no-no on that day back in 2008 against the Royals.
Kluber is one of four MLB pitchers born in the state of Alabama to throw a no-hitter. The other three? Virgil Trucks (2x), Matt Cain (a perfect game in 2012) and the previously mentioned Spencer Turnbull!