Turner began the 2011 season at the Tiger's Double-A affiliate, the Erie SeaWolves. He was named the No. 1 Tigers prospect by Baseball America, who also stated he had the best curveball and changeup in the system. Overall, Turner was listed as the 21st best prospect in baseball by Baseball America, and the 15th best by MLB.com On July 30, 2011, Turner was recalled to replace Charlie Furbush, who was traded to the Seattle Mariners. He was sent down to the minor leagues after his debut, but was brought back up to the major league club when the major league rosters expanded to 40 players on September 1.
Turner throws four main pitches: a four-seam fastball (90–93 mph), a sinking two-seam fastball (89–93), a curveball (78–80) and a slider (84-86). He also throws a rare changeup (85–87), which is used almost exclusively against left-handed hitters. He often relies on the curveball with two strikes in the count.
