Call to the pen
Fansided

MLB: The Five Most Unsung Players in the American League

By Benno Martens

Aug 17, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher J.A. Happ (33) delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 17, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher J.A. Happ (33) delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next

Michael Fulmer

Aug 3, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Michael Fulmer (32) warms up before the second inning against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 3, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Michael Fulmer (32) warms up before the second inning against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

The centerpiece of last summer’s trade of Yoenis Cespedes to the New York Mets, Fulmer has provided a shockingly quick return on investment for the Detroit Tigers in his rookie campaign. In a rotation that features the likes of Justin Verlander and Jordan Zimmermann, the 23-year old right-hander is not only receiving significant Rookie of the Year consideration, but also some Cy Young award buzz.

Fulmer, a first round pick of the Mets (44th overall) in 2011, was called up to the big leagues at the end of April after having thrown just 15.1 career innings at the Triple-A level. What has followed has eclipsed all expectations as the Tigers have gone 16-3 in his 19 starts.

With a mid-90s fastball and plus slider, Fulmer is leading American League pitchers with a 2.25 ERA, a 184 ERA+, and 5.1 bWAR. His 1.017 WHIP also happens to be second in the league, and he sports a 10-3 record in 120 innings of work.

Detroit is still very much in contention both in the Central Division and the wild card race, but it is unclear how much longer the team will have the services of its rookie phenom, as talk of an innings limit has begun. As has been the case with other talented young pitchers such as Stephen Strasburg, there is a delicate balance to strike between playing to win now and attempting to not mortgage the future, and it remains to be seen how cautious Brad Ausmus and the Tigers will be with Fulmer.

Next: Quiet in Camden Yards

Home/MLB News