Feb 27, 2019; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Michael Fulmer (32) throws a warmup pitch before the first inning against the New York Yankees at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Photo Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Tigers right-hander Michael Fulmer is being advised to undergo Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow, although the team said he “is seeking a third opinion at this time.”
The Tigers announced Tuesday that results of an MRI exam and a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews led to the recommendation of reconstructive surgery on Fulmer’s ulnar collateral ligament.
Fulmer, 23, was shut down by the Tigers earlier this spring to work on “lower-body mechanics” as he worked his way back from knee problems that cut short his 2018 season in mid-September. The Tigers said Fulmer began to experience right elbow soreness after a recent bullpen session.
He finished last season with a 3-12 record and a 4.69 ERA in 24 starts over 132 1/3 innings.
In his first season with the Tigers in 2016, Fulmer went 11-7 with a 3.06 ERA and 132 strikeouts in 159 innings. He followed up with a 10-12 mark and a 3.83 ERA in 2017.
