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Former AL Rookie of the Year makes Yankees debut, strikes out Yordan Alvarez
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- Former AL Rookie of the Year makes Yankees debut, strikes out Yordan Alvarez
The New York Yankees added to their MLB roster on Wednesday, signing former AL Rookie of the Year Michael Fulmer . Fulmer wasted no time making an impression.
Making his Yankees debut against the Houston Astros , he recorded his first strikeout with the organization by getting superstar Yordan Alvarez .
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MORE: Yankees lose another player to IL, make several roster moves
Fulmer makes immediate impact
Jul 6, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Michael Fulmer (32) pitches during the seventh inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Fulmer entered the game in the eighth inning with the Yankees leading Houston 7-3. His first assignment was about as difficult as it gets: face one of the most dangerous left-handed hitters in baseball.
Fulmer won the matchup, striking out Alvarez on an 83.8 mph sweeper for his first strikeout in pinstripes. He then retired Isaac Paredes and Jose Altuve on groundouts to complete a perfect inning.
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Not a bad way to begin his Yankees career.
Fulmer officially signed with New York on Wednesday after the Yankees placed Fernando Cruz on the 15-day injured list with right elbow discomfort. The Yankees also made several other roster moves as they try to patch together a bullpen dealing with multiple injuries.
MORE: Yankees set plan for former AL Rookie of the Year
Yankees hoping Fulmer can provide depth
May 31, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Michael Fulmer (32) pitches during the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
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The 33-year-old Fulmer brings plenty of MLB experience to New York. He won the 2016 AL Rookie of the Year Award with the Detroit Tigers and was an All-Star the following season. He has since transitioned from a starter into a relief role while dealing with significant arm injuries, including Tommy John surgery.
Fulmer spent most of 2026 in the Minors, where he combined to post a 2.93 ERA with 10 saves between Triple-A Sacramento and Salt Lake. He also made three scoreless appearances for the Angels before being designated for assignment.
The Yankees weren't originally expecting Fulmer to immediately join the Major League club. He had signed a Minor League deal and was headed toward Triple-A before Cruz's injury changed the situation.
Now, Fulmer suddenly finds himself pitching for a Yankees team fighting for the postseason.
And his first outing couldn't have gone much better.
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