Following the team’s 6-4 loss to the Minnesota Twins, the Detroit Tigers announced a roster move with a future corresponding move to be made on Monday.
Following today's game, the Tigers optioned RHP Bruce Rondon to Toledo. RHP Michael Fulmer will be activated from the 10-day DL tomorrow.
— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) August 13, 2017
Reliever Bruce Rondon was the recipient of loss in the 6-4 decision on Sunday. Rondon issued two walks on just nine pitches in the eighth inning of a 4-4 tie game at the time. He departed after facing just two batters. A single two batters later after Warwick Saupold relieved Rondon scored the two base on balls.
Albeit a very small sample size, Rondon was performing well in August prior to his appearance on Sunday, tossing 3.1 scoreless innings with four strikeouts. But overall, he’s been quite volatile and destructive for the Tigers this season. In 15.1 innings of work, Rondon is registering an ERA close to 11.00.
Bruce Rondon declined to talk to reporters @tigers
— George Sipple ☕️ (@GeorgeSipple) August 13, 2017
Further highlighting Rondon’s struggles with both production and maturing as a big league pitcher was when he was the focal point of a bean ball incident last month with the Royals’ Mike Moustakas.
The roster moved bodes well for right-hander Drew VerHagen, who had been filling in for the injured Michael Fulmer, and Jeff Ferrell, who was called up prior to today’s game after a strong season for the Toledo Mud Hens at Triple-A.
And speaking of Fulmer, he returns after missing two starts with what was diagnosed as right elbow inflammation. The 24-year-old reigning American League Rookie of the Year last pitched on July 31 on the road against the New York Yankees, allowing seven runs (six earned) in six innings of work.
But by and large, Fulmer has avoided a sophomore slump, posting a 3.59 ERA in 21 starts (140.1 IP) this season. He will get the ball on Monday night when the Tigers travel down to Arlington to play the Texas Rangers, kicking off a three-game series.