Michael Fulmer (SP/RP, DET) - Week 9 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

ROSTERED IN: 29% of leagues

ANALYSIS: A new closer has arisen in Detroit - or so it seems. Michael Fulmer has seen a surprising and strange resurgence this season. He began the year in long relief, then moved to the starting rotation and now, he appears to be the leading candidate for saves for the team.

One thing is for sure: Fulmer has been one of the team's most consistently effective arms this year. And in May, he has really hit his stride. Over 9.2 innings this month, he's allowed just two earned runs, good for a 1.86 ERA. He's recorded three of the team's four saves this month, with Gregory Soto recording the other one. Soto was the team's primary closer over the first month of the year, but his 15.5% walk rate and 1.79 WHIP make him an extremely untrustworthy ninth inning option. Fulmer, meanwhile, has just a 6.2% walk rate to go along with a 1.11 WHIP. His season-long 3.23 ERA is mostly backed up by his 3.69 xERA.

Most encouraging of all for Fulmer, however, is that his velocity has been back up this year. During his breakout rookie year in 2016, Fulmer had an average velocity of 95.6 mph on his primary pitch, his four-seam fastball. Last year, he managed just a 93.2 mph average velocity on the pitch. This year, it's back up to 95.2 mph and he's using it as a supporting pitch behind his slider and sinker, two pitches that have generated great results so far.

Fulmer should be added in all fantasy leagues. The 17-26 Tigers certainly won't provide ample save opportunities for Fulmer, but if he can just get two or so per week and continue to pitch at the high level he's pitching at right now, he'll be worth your while.

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