Tigers’ ace Michael Fulmer to miss next start due to elbow soreness

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MLB: Detroit Tigers at Boston Red Sox
Jul 27, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Michael Fulmer (32) walks off the mound during the third inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Spring training is well underway, and the Detroit Tigers will continue their game action on Sunday when they take on the Washington Nationals. Unfortunately, it appears they will be without ace Michael Fulmer, who was originally scheduled to start.

Tigers’ manager Ron Gardenhire announced earlier today that Fulmer will not start due to elbow soreness. He also made sure to clarify that the soreness Fulmer is experiencing is completely unrelated to the off-season elbow surgery he had on that same arm.

From MLB.com:

“Everything’s good,” Gardenhire said. “It’s in the back of the elbow, nowhere near the surgical stuff. But it’s just one of those times of the year after he’s been throwing bullpens and the whole package, we’re just going to do it and give him the time to [recuperate] and get his strength back. As you know, we’re not going to take any chances with this guy. We’re going to be really careful here through spring.”

Alex Wilson will start in Fulmer’s place. Wilson started the Tigers’ Spring Training opener against Florida Southern College last month and then pitched in relief last Tuesday.

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The Tigers have been very cautious with their starting pitchers this spring and for good reason. They skipped Mike Fiers and Daniel Norris the first turn through the rotation. Norris visited a specialist in Philadelphia last week for a follow-up exam on the groin injury that hobbled him last summer. Jordan Zimmermann started on time but received six days’ rest before making his latest start Saturday against the Rays.

Detroit also signed veteran lefty Francisco Liriano a week ago for depth. Liriano has been slowed by a hamstring injury, but the Tigers are hoping to get him a start next week.

The Tigers are hoping that Fulmer will be able to get back on track and get his spot back in the rotation soon, in hopes that he will be ready to go as their Opening Day starter.