The MLB-leading Detroit Tigers are enjoying a well-deserved day off on Monday, allowing A.J. Hinch's club to regroup before this week's series against the Athletics and Minnesota Twins. In the meantime, Tigers fans have the perfect opportunity to perform a check-in on ex-Detroit players, whether they're struggling to find a new job or enjoying their post-retirement life.
When it comes to the many players who've played games in a Tigers uniform, one ex-Detroit hurler in need of a clean slate just landed a fresh MLB opportunity.
Former Tigers RHP Michael Fulmer's Contract Selected by Cubs
On Monday, MLB Trade Rumors' Steve Adams reported that the Chicago White Sox have selected former Tigers pitcher Michael Fulmer's contract from Triple-A Iowa. In a corresponding move, Chicago optioned fellow RHP Nate Pearson to the minors.
Fulmer, 32, opened the 2025 MLB season with the Boston Red Sox after signing a two-year minor-league contract with the club in February. His time in Boston lasted a total of one appearance before the Red Sox had seen enough, having designated Fulmer for assignment on Apr. 18 before he elected free agency and joined the Cubs the following week.
The Red Sox kicked Fulmer to the curb after he gave up three earned runs, two walks, and a homer in 2 2/3 innings during a 16-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Apr. 14. He's looked like a much different player since joining the Cubs, going 1-0 with a 2.96 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 24 1/3 innings in 15 games (2 starts) with Iowa.
Tigers fans will remember Fulmer from his six seasons spent in the Motor City.
The Oklahoma City native began his MLB career as a first-round pick by the New York Mets in 2011, only to quickly find himself in Detroit after he was traded to the Tigers as part of a 2015 trade deadline deal involving Yoenis Cespedes. Fulmer immediately made an impact with his new team, taking home the 2016 American League Rookie of the Year honors before earning his first (and only) All-Star nod the next season.
By the time his Tigers run ended with the 2022 trade to the Twins, Fulmer had gone 32-43 with a 3.90 ERA, 16 saves, and 488 strikeouts in 178 games (89 starts). He also pitched a season in Chicago (2023) following his Detroit exit, tallying a 3-5 record with a 4.42 ERA, 65 Ks, and two saves in 58 outings as a reliever.
The Tigers already had their first and only 2025 series against the Cubs earlier this month, meaning Fulmer won't be returning to the Motor City this season. Still, Detroit fans wish the club's former hurler nothing but the best as he tries to secure an MLB pitching job.