Last week, the Tigers signed Cameron Maybin to a one-year deal, meaning he needed a spot on the already full 40-man roster. To make room for their new outfielder, right handed pitcher Michael Fulmer was transferred to the 60-day injured list.
This move is not indicative of anything in particular regarding Fulmer’s recovery from the Tommy John surgery he underwent in March of 2019. He was shelved all those months ago with the understanding that he’d be out of commission until the summer of 2020. To leave him on the 26-man roster or place him on the the 10-day IL would be, in essence, wasting a spot that could be used to add a new player.