Fulmer changes things up, flusters Royals

DETROIT — If he hadn’t already, Michael Fulmer solidified his American League Rookie of the Year Award candidacy on Friday night with seven innings of one-run baseball in the Tigers’ 8-3 win over the Royals.

The 23-year-old right-hander took the mound with the Tigers looking to maintain their half-game lead for the second American League Wild Card spot and he stepped up in a big way, logging seven strong innings with nine strikeouts. And the pressure of the playoff push doesn’t seem to be a big deal for the poised youngster.

“I just try to do my job,” Fulmer said. “It’s just ‘go out there and get a win for the team.'”

Fulmer came to the Major Leagues mainly relying on his fastball and slider, but the emergence of his changeup has made him even more dependable. His offspeed stuff was working well for him against the Royals, and that is something he has been striving for in the latter part of the season.

“I went to the …

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