ST. LOUIS — The Chicago Cubs have added right-handed pitcher Michael Fulmer back to their roster from Triple-A Iowa, while sending fellow right-hander Nate Pearson down to Iowa. This move was announced ahead of their four-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Fulmer, who is 32, is no stranger to the Cubs, having previously pitched for them in 2023 where he recorded a 3-5 record, two saves, and achieved a 4.42 ERA over 58 appearances. However, his journey since has been rocky, as Fulmer was sidelined for the entire 2024 season following UCL revision surgery on his right elbow, a procedure he underwent on October 18, 2023.
Previously celebrated as the 2016 American League Rookie of the Year during his stint with the Detroit Tigers, Fulmer has faced his share of challenges. He previously underwent Tommy John surgery on March 27, 2019, and made his comeback to the major leagues more than a year later, on July 27, 2020, amid the pandemic’s disruption of the baseball season.
Reflecting on his recovery from the first surgery, Fulmer shared, “It took me a few months to get stuff and velo back. Once I got all the game reps I needed, my stuff came back. So, I think we’re getting on that timeline now where I’m feeling good, body’s feeling great, no complaints, stuff’s starting to come back a little bit and I’m really just excited.” His optimism is evident as he gears up for his return to the Cubs.
Earlier in 2024, Fulmer had signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox on February 2. Unfortunately, his tenure there was brief, as he only pitched in one game, allowing three runs over four hits, before being designated for assignment four days later. The Cubs saw potential and signed him to a minor league deal on April 22. Fulmer has impressed since then, going 1-0 with a 2.96 ERA across 24 1/3 innings in 15 appearances with Iowa.
Cubs’ manager Craig Counsell has expressed admiration for Fulmer’s resilience. “You know he’s went through a lot, you know he’s sticking with it,” Counsell commented. “It’s a sign of what you’re made of, I think. It really is. I know moments like getting back to the big leagues are important, and they validate a lot of the hard work and a lot of the rehabs and a lot of the things like that. You’re happy for guys like Michael who get a shot again.”
As for Pearson, his recap in the majors was less than ideal, as he surrendered five runs on five hits and two walks over just two innings in a game against Seattle. He was called up from Iowa on Saturday only to face a tough outing on Sunday and subsequently returned to the minors.
The Cubs, with a record of 46-31, are seeking to strengthen their lead in the National League Central Division. As of Monday’s play, they hold a 3 1/2 game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers and a 4 1/2 game advantage over their current rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals.