White Sox pitching prospect has his best start of spring training against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The pitcher is vying to be the team’s fifth starter.
Chicago White Sox 10th ranked prospect Carson Fulmer has had rough outings this spring. While many fans would like to see Fulmer in the bullpen or back in Triple-A, the 2015 first round pick was able to silence his critics on Monday afternoon.
Fulmer, who is battling to be the White Sox fifth starter this season, had his best outing of spring training against the Arizona Diamondbacks. In the Sox 15-2 blowout win over the Diamondbacks, Fulmer pitched four no-hit innings. The 24-year-old didn’t have a good outing in his previous start against the Milwaukee Brewers on Mar. 11.
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In that game, Fulmer lasted just 1.2 innings and allowed seven earned runs, seven hits and walked three batters. Before Monday’s start, Fulmer had an 18.90 ERA in 6.2 innings pitched this spring.
With Fulmer’s struggles this spring, the Sox decision to sign Hector Santiago to a minor league contract was starting to look like a good investment. However, Fulmer was able to come out on Monday and make a strong case to be the team’s fifth starter this season. Fulmer recorded four strikeouts while allowing three walks, but was able to pitch his way to a solid start.
While the Sox offense had its best game of the spring, Fulmer pitched a much-needed great outing on Monday. There is still time for either Santiago or Fulmer to convince the coaching staff of being the fifth starter, but Fulmer did a lot to improve his chances. Last season, Fulmer was decent in the final month of the season.
Fulmer ended 2017 with two quality starts in his final four outings. Entering this season, Fulmer will be able to get more development in the Majors but will need a strong finish to spring training to get his opportunity as a starter. Fulmer has expressed his desire to start in the past, but he still needs consistency on the mound.
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The White Sox would certainly benefit from a deep starting rotation this season with either Fulmer or Santiago at the back-end. With his outing on Monday, Fulmer should have more confidence to finish spring training on a high note. If Fulmer is able to have more outings similar to Monday for the team this year, there will be more silence from his critics who doubt he can remain a starting pitcher.