On a day in which the Detroit Tigers' future became clear, the future of their most important pitcher became unclear.
Michael Fulmer will miss at least two starts and perhaps the remainder of the season after a recurrence of ulnar neuritis in his right elbow, manager Brad Ausmus said after the first game of Friday's doubleheader against the Indians.
Fulmer is scheduled to meet orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews in the near future.
"It's not any worse, it's not really much different than the sensation he had prior," Ausmus said. "I think it's kind of at a tipping point where, let's get another opinion and if something has to be done, let's have it done so he's ready for next season."
Fulmer was placed on the 10-day disabled list in early August with the diagnosis, but has made four starts since returning on Aug. 14.
In his second-to-last start, Fulmer experienced a stronger sensation in his right arm than he had previously after hitting Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez with a pitch. He was seen shaking his hand but stayed in the game.
After his last start against the Rockies on Tuesday, Fulmer informed the coaching staff that the issue had not gone away.
"He actually said he felt fine during the game, but it just hasn't gone away," Ausmus said. "So like I said, it's more about the tipping point of being ready for next year should something more have to be done."
Ausmus said it would be premature to say Fulmer's season is over, but given the recurrence of the issue and the impending visit to Andrews, it's very much a possibility.
Fulmer is the Tigers' best young pitcher. Last season, he won the American League Rookie of the Year. This season, he was named an AL All-Star. But the numbers show he has not been the same as of late: In eight second half starts, he has posted a 5.33 ERA.
The issue could require ulnar nerve transposition surgery or nerve decompression surgery. Those surgeries would sideline Fulmer for a few months. Though surgery was not on the table when he first went on the DL, it is thought to be an option now.
And with a player so important to the future of the franchise, the Tigers would be wise to proceed with caution _ even more so than they did the first time.
