Michael Fulmer Returns to Cubs Bullpen Roster \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Cubs activated right-hander Michael Fulmer from Triple-A Iowa ahead of their series with St. Louis. Fulmer rejoins after a year-long rehab from UCL surgery; Nate Pearson was optioned. Chicago maintains a narrow NL Central lead over Milwaukee and St. Louis.
Quick Looks
- Michael Fulmer returns to majors, recovered from UCL revision surgery.
- Cubs option Nate Pearson to Iowa, following rough outing vs. Seattle.
- Fulmer had 4.42 ERA with Cubs in 2023, pitched 58 games.
- 2024 comeback began with Red Sox, later signed with Cubs in April.
- Went 1-0 with 2.96 ERA in 15 appearances with Iowa.
- Craig Counsell praises Fulmer’s resilience and return to big leagues.
- Fulmer was 2016 AL Rookie of the Year with Detroit.
- Chicago leads NL Central by 3.5 games, starts series vs. Cardinals.
Deep Look
The Chicago Cubs have officially brought back veteran right-handed reliever Michael Fulmer to the major leagues, selecting his contract from Triple-A Iowa just in time for a crucial four-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals. This move marks a significant personal milestone for Fulmer, who returns to the majors after missing the entire 2024 season so far due to a second major elbow surgery — UCL revision performed on October 18, 2023.
In a corresponding move, the team optioned right-hander Nate Pearson back to Iowa after a difficult appearance over the weekend. The decision underscores the Cubs’ focus on stabilizing their bullpen as they maintain a narrow but significant lead in the National League Central Division.
Fulmer’s Road Back to the Bigs
Michael Fulmer, now 32, is no stranger to adversity. Once one of the most promising arms in baseball, he won the 2016 American League Rookie of the Year Award with the Detroit Tigers and was an All-Star in 2017. However, his career has been shaped as much by injuries as by accolades. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2019 and spent much of the subsequent year recovering and working to regain his velocity and control.
After returning to action during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Fulmer gradually transitioned from a starter to a high-leverage bullpen arm. He found success in that role across multiple clubs, including a solid 2023 campaign with the Cubs. That season, Fulmer pitched in 58 games, posted a 3-5 record, logged two saves, and maintained a respectable 4.42 ERA, often used in middle relief or setup situations.
But elbow issues returned, and Fulmer underwent UCL revision surgery — a more complex and less common follow-up procedure to traditional Tommy John surgery. The odds of a full comeback from this type of surgery are steeper, but Fulmer has approached his rehab with determination.
“It took me a few months to get stuff and velo back [after my first Tommy John],” Fulmer told reporters. “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.”
A Short Stint in Boston, Then Redemption in Iowa
After his surgery, Fulmer initially signed a minor league deal with the Boston Red Sox in February 2024. He appeared in one game, giving up three runs on four hits against Tampa Bay. Within days, Boston designated him for assignment, effectively ending his tenure with the club before it could begin in earnest.
The Cubs, however, maintained their faith in his recovery and signed him to a minor league contract on April 22. Since joining Triple-A Iowa, Fulmer has performed admirably: in 15 appearances, he posted a 1-0 record, a 2.96 ERA, and struck out 18 batters over 24 1/3 innings. Most importantly, he demonstrated renewed command and stamina — two key indicators that his return to the big leagues could be sustainable.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell praised Fulmer’s perseverance. “You know he’s went through a lot, you know he’s sticking with it,” Counsell said. “It’s a sign of what you’re made of, I think. Moments like getting back to the big leagues are important — 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.”
Pearson Struggles Amidst Opportunity
To make room for Fulmer, the Cubs optioned right-hander Nate Pearson back to Triple-A Iowa. Pearson had been called up on Saturday, but his Sunday outing against the Seattle Mariners was rough: two innings, five earned runs, five hits, and two walks. Though Pearson still possesses the raw stuff that once made him a top Blue Jays prospect, inconsistency has plagued him at the MLB level.
The Cubs may yet call on Pearson later in the season, but for now, the team is prioritizing experienced arms that can handle pressure in high-leverage situations — and Fulmer, when healthy, has a proven track record in that role.
A Key Move Amid a Tight Division Race
The timing of Fulmer’s return could be crucial. The Cubs entered play Monday with a 46-31 record, 3.5 games ahead of the second-place Milwaukee Brewers and 4.5 games up on the St. Louis Cardinals. With a pivotal divisional showdown looming, Chicago’s bullpen depth could make the difference between extending their lead or watching it slip away.
The addition of Fulmer gives the Cubs another versatile late-inning option. His experience and adaptability — he can pitch in the sixth, seventh, or even ninth inning — provide Counsell with more flexibility to manage matchups and workloads.
Long-Term Outlook: What Fulmer’s Return Means
While Fulmer may not reclaim a closer role immediately, his return is symbolically and strategically important. It signals that the Cubs are prepared to lean on veterans who’ve earned trust, especially as the team eyes a postseason push.
Moreover, Fulmer’s path mirrors the kind of roster-building strategy that often yields playoff success: mix reliable veterans with emerging talent, support injury comebacks with developmental patience, and ensure flexibility across roles.
Given Fulmer’s performance in Iowa and his prior success in a Cubs uniform, it’s not unreasonable to expect he’ll factor into some tight games in the weeks ahead — especially as the NL Central remains one of baseball’s most competitive divisions.
If Fulmer stays healthy and effective, he could prove to be one of the most impactful midseason bullpen reinforcements in the league — not through a splashy trade, but through quiet perseverance, steady rehab, and a timely promotion.
Michael Fulmer Returns Michael Fulmer Returns
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