One of the most coveted starting pitchers on the trade market this year may now be out of action past the trade deadline. On Friday, the Detroit Tigers placed Michael Fulmer on the 10-day disabled list with a left oblique strain.
While an exact timetable for his return isn’t yet known, this specific injury could sideline him for at least the next two weeks.
The Tigers today have placed RHP Michael Fulmer on the 10-day disabled list with a left oblique strain. In a corresponding move, RHP Victor Alcántara has been recalled from Triple A Toledo.
— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) July 20, 2018
It serves as a major blow for the Tigers who were hoping to land a massive haul of prospects back in a trade for Fulmer before the July 31 deadline. Now Detroit must hope he can return, prove he is healthy and have a team offer a strong enough package of prospects to make a deal worth it.
While the 25-year-old’s 4.50 ERA and 1.32 WHIP this season is disappointing, teams coveted Fulmer as one of the few young, quality pitchers available under contract for multiple seasons.
Now with Fulmer sidelined, Detroit will turn its attention to trading starting pitchers Francisco Liriano and Mike Fiers. Both veteran pitchers will bring significantly less back in a trade, but the Tigers are seeking to start giving more opportunities for young players going forward.