LOOK: Michael Fulmer tweets message to Tigers fans following surgery

0
6
MLB: Detroit Tigers at Texas Rangers
Aug 14, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Michael Fulmer (32) reacts to winning a complete game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Detroit Tigers won 7-0. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

This has been a season to forget for the Detroit Tigers. Not only are they a million games out of first place (it really may be that much by now) but they traded away two of their biggest stars, Justin Verlander (Astros) and J.D. Martinez (Diamondbacks) because the team could not stay in contention.

Then news broke on Monday that Michael Fulmer, the best pitcher remaining on the team, would miss the rest of the 2017 season because he had to have surgery on his right arm. That surgery, Ulnar nerve transposition surgery to be exact, took place on Tuesday, and by all accounts, everything went well.

Following the surgery, Fulmer tweeted out a message to his supports, assuring them he would be back and better than ever for Spring Training.

“Thank you to everybody for the well wishes. Surgery went well and I’m looking forward to spring training coming back better than ever!!”

https://twitter.com/MFulmer12/status/907700092773306369

The surgery, which was performed by Dr. James Andrews, in Pensacola, Florida, is essentially a procedure which moves the ulnar nerve to a position in which it is no longer being irritated or pinched.

By taking care of this now, rather than waiting for the end of the season, Fulmer can begin recovery, which usually takes 3-4 months, and have himself ready for the start of Spring Training.

Fulmer followed up his 2016 Rookie of the Year campaign by taking a bit of a step back this season, though he was bothered by the nerve at times. In 25 starts for the Tigers in 2017, he is 10-12 with a 3.83 ERA in 164.2 innings pitched.

As the Tigers head into what is clearly a rebuilding phase, Fulmer could be a key in their rotation for years to come.