Right-handed pitcher Michael Fulmer is not concerned about being traded by the Detroit Tigers.
It seems preposterous that the Tigers would consider dealing Fulmer, who is coming off his first All-Star experience and was the 2016 American League Rookie of the Year.
"I heard it," Fulmer said of his name being mentioned in recent trade speculation. "It's on social media. I see it. I hear it. But it's just rumors. I'm just going to pitch for the Tigers and go win every fifth day.
"I don't think I'm going anywhere, so I'm not really worried about it. We're trying to keep the whole team together right now. So we gotta start the second half off on a winning streak and just keep going up."
Fulmer is 9-6 with a 3.19 ERA and a 1.115 WHIP in 17 starts. He has 84 strikeouts in 1152/3 innings.
"I feel like everybody needs young, controllable pitching," Fulmer said. "I'm not worried in any way, shape or form I'm going to get out of here. I want to stay here. Obviously I love this team. I want everybody to stay here."
As for the All-Star experience, Fulmer was glad he went, even though he wasn't able to participate.
"I'm kind of glad that I didn't get to pitch, that way I didn't have to worry about it," Fulmer said.
He said he got one of his batting practice jerseys signed and a half dozen baseballs autographed.
"I'm going to auction one or two of them off in my charity back home and try to raise money for them," Fulmer said of Wings, an organization based in Edmonds, Okla., that helps adults with developmental disabilities.
Fulmer said he talked a bit with Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Chris Archer. "I told him to teach me his slider," Fulmer said.
Fulmer threw a bullpen during the All-Star break that Archer watched.
"(Archer) said he was impressed and kind of wondering how I threw my change-up," Fulmer said. "He said he usually watches my starts, just like I've watched most of his before we face the same opponent because we've got similar stuff. Obviously, he averaged about two more strikeouts an inning than I do. It's just cool to get to know some of those guys."
