Fulmer hopes long run of bad luck has finally ended
Tigers’ homegrown all-star has battled injuries since his sophomore season
Few players could have been happier to be on the field at Comerica Park on Friday than Detroit Tigers right-handed pitcher Michael Fulmer.
For the 27-year-old Fulmer, who was the American League rookie of the year in 2016, it has been nearly 22 months since he has thrown a meaningful pitch for the club.
“I got to throw off the game mound (Friday) for the first time in like a year and a half,” Fulmer said in a media Zoom call after his throwing session. “It was a lot of fun just seeing everyone again.”
It has been three frustrating years for Fulmer since posting an 11-7 record as a rookie. He started 2017 with a 9-6 record and was named to the All-star Game, but had to undergo elbow surgery before the season closed.
In 2018, he struggled out of the gate and eventually saw his season come to an end with a torn meniscus in his right knee that required surgery.
Last year was a complete wash for Fulmer, who underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, which cost him the entire season.
“He’s had some rough goes of it,” Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire said. “He’s got a really strong desire to get back and pitch again. It takes that for him to get back.”
Once listed at 246 pounds, the 6-foot-3 Fulmer has slimmed down considerably, which he believes will put less pressure on his body.
“That’s what I needed to do, especially for the knee,” Fulmer said. “I was trying to lose a little bit of weight.
“I just feel more efficient. I just feel like I’m using my body in better ways and less stress off the elbow and less stress off the knee. I think that was our goal going in. Just be more efficient, not so violent. Those aspects are still going to be there, but just trying to find a way to put my body in the position I can without sacrificing production.”
While the COVID-19 pandemic shut down many things in March, Fulmer was able to keep working at Detroit’s Spring Training facility in Lakeland, Fla.
“The key is being able to stay in Lakeland the last 13-14 weeks working out,” Fulmer said. “Honestly, I had all the time in the world to be able to workout and work on a few things. I’m thankful they stayed open and all the help I got from those guys.”
Where he fits into the roster plans in a 60-game season remains to be seen.
“His leg’s doing good, his arm’s doing good (and) he’s probably in as good a shape I’ve seen him,” Gardenhire said. “The ball’s coming out of his hand fine. Now, it’s just about getting back.”
While he’s back, Fulmer knows it will take time to get his arm speed back to the level he had in 2016 and early 2017 and all he’s looking to do is help the team.
“I just want to do whatever I can to help the team and ultimately, a personal goal, is to stay healthy all year,” Fulmer said. “Whether that’s in the rotation, obviously I’d love to be there, but whatever Gardy says goes and I’m good with anything.”