White Sox Need Carson Fulmer to Excel as Starter

Aug 11, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Carson Fulmer (51) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the fifth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Carson Fulmer (51) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the fifth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Carson Fulmer’s success as a starter would fill hole in the White Sox starting rotation

After watching Anthony Ranaudo struggle in his start against the Cleveland Indians on Wendesday, one thing is for sure, Carson Fulmer needs to be a starter. All eyes will be on him when the top prospect makes his first start sometime in September. With multiple areas of concern for the White Sox heading into the offseason, starting pitching could be an area of strength.

Chris Sale and Jose Quintana have been great this season. Carlos Rodon was better in his last two starts, but then there’s a drop off. After all, Miguel Gonzalez is inconsistent at best and James Shields has been a disaster.  If Fulmer can come in and hold down a spot, the team will only need a fifth starter unless Gonzalez or Shields is given a shot.

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Fulmer struggled in his first stint with the club. However, he was being used as a starter in Double-A Birmingham prior to his call up. His numbers weren’t that great in Double A but he showed some promise during limited action. In 17 starts with the Barons, Fulmer was 4-9 with a 4.76 ERA. His ERA is misleading as he started the season poorly, but rebounded with three impressive starts before his promotion. During the final three starts, Fulmer allowed just two earned runs.

Also, going from starter to reliever is a big change and again shows mismanagement from this team’s front office. With no clear direction on how to use Fulmer, they hastily called him up and now wasted an option.

Next: White Sox Must Gain Series Victory Against Indians

When the White Sox won the World Series in 2005,four starts threw over 200 innings and tallied 14+ wins as well as throw four complete games in the ALCS. A strong Carson Fulmer allows the front office to focus their attention elsewhere instead of spending money on starting pitching.

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