MICHAEL FULMER NEWS

Pitching better lately Fulmer worked around a hit to pitch a scoreless inning and record a hold in Friday's win over the Marlins.

Impact Fulmer worked the eighth in the eventual 4-1 victory for his third hold of the season, and he's been pitching better lately. Since allowing six earned runs combined in consecutive outings on April 20 and 23, the veteran has now logged four straight scoreless appearances. Fulmer now has a 6.08 ERA and should continue to see high-leverage work for the Cubs if he looks like this version.

MAY 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Cubs pitching notes: Michael Fulmer making tweaks, Keegan Thompson's usage and more Updates on four Cubs pitchers including two on the injured list: Jameson Taillon and Kyle Hendricks.

APRIL 28, 2023 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Do the Chicago Cubs need to explore different closing options after Michael Fulmer's rocky start? Michael Fulmer can’ t lose the Chicago Cubs closer’ s role if he’ s not officially the closer. “I trust Michael Fulmer, I’ ll make that stat...

APRIL 22, 2023 • BOSTONHERALD.COM

Do the Chicago Cubs need to explore different closing options after Michael Fulmer's rocky start? Michael Fulmer can’ t lose the Chicago Cubs closer’ s role if he’ s not officially the closer. “I trust Michael Fulmer, I’ ll make that stat...

APRIL 22, 2023 • MERCURYNEWS.COM

Gets hit hard Thursday Fulmer (0-2) allowed four runs on three hits and a walk while retiring only one batter to take the loss Thursday against the Dodgers.

Impact Fulmer had a nightmare outing out of the bullpen, which pushed his ERA up to 7.56. He had an ERA of 3.38 coming into the night but will now need to string together some good performances to get back to a respectable level. Brad Boxberger has been more effective so far, and it wouldn't be shocking to see the Cubs look his way in the ninth instead of Fulmer, at least in the short term.

APRIL 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Earns first hold Fulmer pitched a scoreless inning of relief with one strikeout in Saturday's 3-2 win over the Dodgers.

Impact After blowing a save chance in the ninth inning Saturday, Fulmer worked the eighth inning Sunday for his first hold of the season, while Brad Boxberger got the ninth. The two veterans were expected to split closing duties this year, though based on recent events, perhaps Boxberger has edged slightly ahead of Fulmer. The latter should still see plenty of high-leverage work, however, and is likely to maintain some fantasy appeal.

APRIL 17, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Blows another save Fulmer (0-1) took the loss and blew the save against the Dodgers on Saturday, allowing two runs on three hits while striking out one batter over two-thirds of an inning.

Impact The Cubs carried a tenuous 1-0 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning and turned to Fulmer to close things out. The right-hander couldn't get the job done, surrendering a two-out, two-run walkoff single to David Peralta after allowing a pair of one-out hits. Fulmer converted his first save chance of the season against Texas on April 7, but he's since blown his next two opportunities and has allowed three earned runs across 2.2 frames over his past three outings.

APRIL 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Decision to pitch to David Peralta bites Cubs, Michael Fulmer as Dodgers get walk-off win Letting Fulmer face Peralta rather than Austin Barnes is suspect at best. The apparent communication breakdown is perplexing as well.

APRIL 16, 2023 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Peralta, Dodgers come back for 2-1 win over Cubs

David Peralta hit a walk-off two-run single and the Los Angeles Dodgers rallied for a 2-1 win over the Chicago Cubs

APRIL 16, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Blows save Monday Fulmer allowed a run on two hits across an inning of work to blow the save Monday against the Mariners. He struck out one.

Impact Tasked with protecting a 2-1 lead in the ninth inning, Fulmer allowed a solo home run to Jarred Kelenic to blow his first save of the year, but the Cubs would rally for the 3-2 win in 10 innings. The run was the first one allowed this season by Fulmer, who now has a 2.08 ERA and eight strikeouts across 4.1 innings. He should continue to see regular save chances, though Brad Boxberger remains in the mix as well.

APRIL 11, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Hoerner's single in 10th inning lifts Cubs past Mariners 3-2

Nico Hoerner’s soft single off Matt Brash with one out in the bottom of the 10th inning scored pinch-runner Nick Madrigal and gave the Chicago Cubs a 3-2 win over the Seattle Marin...

APRIL 11, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Notches first save Fulmer gave up a hit and struck out four over two scoreless innings Friday to record his first save of the season in a 2-0 win over the Rangers.

Impact Neither Brad Boxberger nor Adbert Alzolay had pitched since Tuesday, but Cubs manager David Ross still elected to use Fulmer for multiple innings to close out the shutout, and the right-hander ultimately threw 28 pitches (18 strikes) as he picked up the team's first save of the year. The usage suggests that Ross might view Fulmer as more of a fireman than a pure ninth-inning arm, but he remains the favorite to finish the season leading the team in saves.

APRIL 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Anything can happen in Cubs bullpen as Fulmer completes two-inning save The Cubs don't really have set roles for their relief pitchers, and Friday was another example. Brad Boxberger warmed up in the bullpen as M...

APRIL 7, 2023 • DAILYHERALD.COM

Stroman pitches 6 innings as Cubs blank Texas Rangers 2-0

Marcus Stroman pitched six sparkling innings and Cody Bellinger hit a go-ahead RBI single, helping the Chicago Cubs beat the Texas Rangers 2-0

APRIL 7, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Pitches ninth inning Thursday Fulmer pitched a scoreless inning with one hit allowed and two strikeouts in Thursday's 4-0 win over the Brewers.

Impact Fulmer got the ninth inning while Brad Boxberger worked the eighth, but it was a non-save situation. Still, it's a promising sign for Fulmer that he was the last reliever used on Opening Day. He figures to split closer duties with Boxberger based on spring training reports, though Fulmer may be slightly ahead at this point.

MARCH 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Has less competition in bullpen With Rowan Wick outrighted to Triple-A Iowa on Monday, according to Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times, Fulmer and Brad Boxberger should be the Cubs' primary options at the back e...

Impact It was previously reported that Fulmer and Boxberger were viewed as the leading candidates to close, and this news should cement those two at the back of the bullpen. It remains to be seen if one of the pitchers will emerge as the primary closer. For now, fantasy managers should keep tabs on both of the veterans as the regular season approaches.

MARCH 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Primary option at closer for CHC? Fulmer and Brad Boxberger are viewed as the primary options at closer for the Cubs, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Impact It could ultimately wind up being more of a carousel, with Brandon Hughes, Rowan Wick and Adbert Alzolay also somewhere in the mix, but Fulmer has expressed a strong desire to claim the job and Boxberger boasts 82 career major-league saves. Fulmer, 29, signed a one-year, $4 million contract with Chicago in February after working to a 3.39 ERA with 61 strikeouts over 63.2 innings last season between the Tigers and Twins. He picked up three saves along the way.

MARCH 14, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

How the Cubs made their pitch to Michael Fulmer, who might become their next closer The Cubs told the righty reliever during the free agency process how they thought they could make him better.

MARCH 14, 2023 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Pitching well this spring Fulmer has yet to allow a run across three Cactus League appearances. He's struck out three.

Impact Fulmer has been steady so far in spring training action, and he should be able to carry that over into the regular season after posting strong numbers out of the bullpen in 2021 and 2022. The veteran righty should have a high-leverage role with the Cubs, possibly even closing out games, though Brandon Hughes and Brad Boxberger are also in the mix at the end of games. Fulmer's fantasy value would obviously increase if he's seeing regular save opportunities.

MARCH 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Cubs, RHP Michael Fulmer finalize $4M, 1-year contract

The Chicago Cubs have added Michael Fulmer to their bullpen, finalizing a $4 million, one-year contract with the right-hander

FEBRUARY 20, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Joining Cubs' bullpen Fulmer agreed to a contract with the Cubs on Friday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Impact The terms of the deal are not yet known. Fulmer's velocity and strikeouts were down a bit in 2022 but he remained mostly effective, posting a 3.39 ERA and 61:28 K:BB over 63.2 innings for the Tigers and Twins. The 29-year-old has some closing experience and could be in the mix to get some saves as part of a Cubs bullpen which lacks established high-leverage options.

FEBRUARY 10, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Jackie Robinson AL Rookies of the Year x-unanimous 2022 — Julio Rodriguez, Seattle 2021 — Randy Arozarena, Tampa Bay 2020 — x-Kyle Lewis, Seattle 2019 — x-Yordan Alvarez, Houston...

NOVEMBER 15, 2022 • SANDIEGOUNIONTRIBUNE.COM

Correa formally opts out as Twins let Sanó, Bundy, Archer go

Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa has formally opted out of his contract to become a free agent

NOVEMBER 7, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Tigers beat young Woods Richardson, sloppy Twins 5-2

Eric Haase and Victor Reyes homered and the Detroit Tigers took advantage of Minnesota’s sloppy play, beating touted pitching prospect Simeon Woods Richardson and the Twins 5-2

OCTOBER 2, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Melendez, Perez lead Royals to 5-4 comeback win over Twins

MJ Melendez hit a two-run homer, Salvador Perez drove in the go-ahead run with a two-out double in the seventh inning, and the Royals held off the fading Twins 5-4 to open their fi...

SEPTEMBER 21, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS