Ausmus: Plan for Fulmer, Tigers’ rotation TBD

DETROIT — The Tigers opted this week not to push back Michael Fulmer, and they reaped the rewards with seven innings of two-run ball Friday night to open their key series against the Orioles. Now team officials have to figure out what’s next for the rookie hurler.

While Detroit now has six pitchers working as starters with the return of Jordan Zimmermann, manager Brad Ausmus insists they do not have a six-man rotation.

“We’re going to manipulate it,” Ausmus said Friday. “A lot of it depends on what happens here this time through. Nothing’s been etched in stone.”

Ausmus etched the first three starters for next week’s series against the Twins. Daniel Norris starts Monday’s series opener on seven days’ rest, followed by Matt Boyd and Anibal Sanchez, both on six days’ rest.

As for Fulmer, whose turn on normal rest would have been Wednesday, Ausmus said Saturday, “He’s going to get pushed.”

The question is how far. Ausmus did not announce a starter for Thursday’s series finale, but unless somebody jumps into the rotation for a spot start, it would appear to be a choice between Fulmer and Zimmermann.

Looming in …

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