I remember the fourth week of April 2016 as if it were yesterday. Three rookie A.L. pitchers got their call-ups to the majors and fantasy owners collectively scattered to the waiver wire to put in their claims. “Oh wow! Jose Berrios is up, sweet!” – they exclaimed. “Bob Melvin says Sean Manaea might be up for the long haul!” – they raved. Under the radar of most owners, however, was the real prize of the bunch. Detroit Tigers RHP Michael Fulmer, who’s facial hair would make Grizzy Adams proud, has been utterly insane. The switch from mediocrity to dominance was flipped on May 21st, when he increased his Changeup mix from just 7% in his first four starts to 18% over his last five. The Changeup has lead him to owning a beastly 0.26 ERA over his last 34.1 IP with it’s incredible 40% whiff rate. He’s also gone 28.1 innings since allowing his most recent earned run – just one out away from the Tigers record. Fulmer has been an absolute joy to watch as of late, and his Sunday start on the road in New York was no exception. Let’s break down Michael Fulmer’s June 12th start in the Bronx against the Yankees with 14 HD GIFs.
As always, let’s start with Fulmer's strikezone plot from the outing:
