Former Red Sox Pitcher Designated For Assignment Days After Call-Up
He played two games with his new team
A short-lived member of the Boston Red Sox bullpen didn’t last much longer with his new organization.
Michael Fulmer made one appearance for the Red Sox before getting designated for assignment. After clearing waivers, the 2016 American League Rookie of the Year chose free agency rather than accepting a minor-league assignment.
Fulmer returned to the majors when the Chicago Cubs promoted him Monday, but he didn’t last the week. Chicago designated Fulmer for assignment on Thursday to make room for Shota Imanaga, who returned to make his first start since May 4.
Ten years ago, Fulmer was swapped for another former Red Sox when the New York Mets sent him to the Detroit Tigers for Yoenis Cespedes. He posted a 3.09 ERA in 26 starts in 2016, but injuries derailed a promising career for the right-handed pitcher.
Fulmer missed the entire 2024 season after undergoing his second Tommy John surgery. While he found success in Detroit’s bullpen after the first procedure in 2019, the 32-year-old is still seeking an extended opportunity.
In his lone outing as a Red Sox, Fulmer allowed four hits, two walks and three runs in 2 2/3 innnings during a 16-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. He pitched 24 1/3 innings for Chicago’s Triple-A Iowa affiliate before Monday’s call-up.
Fulmer worked two scoreless outings against the St. Louis Cardinals, allowing two hits and no walks with one punchout in three innings. He only needed six pitches to retire three batters in the eighth inning of Wednesday’s 8-0 win at Busch Stadium.
Yet the Cubs needed to make space to activate Imanaga for Thursday’s game. Chicago entered Thursday with MLB’s sixth-best bullpen ERA (3.41) despite the fourth-lowest strikeout percentage (19.9).
It’s not the first time this situation has unfolded for a former Red Sox reliever. Craig Kimbrel made one appearance for the Atlanta Braves before getting DFA’d earlier this month.
The Cubs have a week to trade or waive Fulmer. He could return to the minors if he clears waivers and accepts the assignment.
