JUST IN: Tigers will activate Michael Fulmer from DL; option Bruce Rondon

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MLB: Chicago White Sox at Detroit Tigers
Aug 3, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Michael Fulmer (32) warms up before the second inning against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

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.

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.

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.

MLB: Minnesota Twins at Detroit Tigers
Apr 12, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Michael Fulmer (32) pitches in the second inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

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.