LAKELAND, Fla. -- Michael Fulmer's first pitch in 12 days hit 95 mph on the Joker Marchant Stadium radar gun. His sixth pitch was a nasty 87 mph slider that sent Mets leadoff man Patrick Biondi chasing off the plate for a strikeout. Amed Rosario did the same with Fulmer's next three pitches, all sliders.
Once Michael Conforto, the gifted young outfielder the Tigers almost acquired from the Mets in the offseason, went down swinging at a changeup to end the inning, Fulmer looked like he hadn't missed a turn. His mild ankle injury cost him a start and a chance to pitch in the World Baseball Classic, but it didn't cost him anything from his stuff.