There were two pitches that stood out, two pitches that showed how far rookie right-hander Michael Fulmer has come in a short period of time.
The first came in the top of the first inning this afternoon against the Rays, with two men on, in a full count to Evan Longoria. Instead of opting for his upper-90 m.p.h. fastball or a slider to chase, he painted the corner with the slider for a strikeout looking.
The next came in the top of the third inning, again facing Longoria, again in a full count, when he went with his much-improved slider for a strikeout swinging.