MLB trade rumors: Yankees chasing Tigers’ Michael Fulmer?

The MLB non-waiver trade deadline is July 31, 2018 (7/31/18). Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is looking at upgrading the starting rotation after injuries to Jordan Montgomery and Mashiro Tanaka. Among the players on the trade market is Detroit Tigers right-hander Michael Fulmer.

A new name is on the Yankees‘ radar as general manager Brian Cashman searches for starting pitching before the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline: Detroit Tigers right-hander Michael Fulmer.

Yankee scout Jay Darnell watching Tiger pitcher Michael Fulmer today in Detroit

— George A. King III (@GeorgeAKingIII) June 28, 2018

Fulmer pitched eight innings Thursday against the Oakland A’s. He gave up four runs on nine hits over eight innings, striking out five and walking none. Fulmer and the Tigers lost, 4-2, dropping his record to 3-7 this season with a 4.20 ERA.

That the Yankees are looking at Fulmer shouldn’t be a surprise. Cashman is reevaluating his starting pitching after injuries to Jordan Montgomery and Masahiro Tanaka, although he’s pretty much ruled out trading rookie second baseman Gleyber Torres or top outfield prospect Clint Frazier.

Fulmer was the 2016 American League Rookie of the Year, going 11-7 with a 3.06 ERA in 26 starts.

Last season, Fulmer regressed a bit, going 10-12 with a 3.38 ERA in 25 starts.

According to Spotrac, the 25-year-old Fulmer will be under team control through 2022. He is making $575,200 this season and is eligible for arbitration beginning in 2019.

You can add Fulmer’s name to what’s been called a “weak” trade market for starting pitching, which includes Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Chris Archer, Texas Rangers lefty Cole Hamels and Toronto Blue Jays southpaw J.A. Happ.

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Cashman won’t be the only GM looking for starting pitching before the trade deadline. 

Expect Boston Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski to look for an arm, with starters Steven Wright and Drew Pomeranz on the disabled list.

Boston visits the Bronx on Friday to open a three-game series with the Yankees.

Before that, the Red Sox wrap up a three-game series with the Angels Thursday at Fenway Park.

If Boston beats Los Angeles, it will come to Yankee Stadium with a one-game lead over the Yankees in the American League East.

If Boston loses, the Red Sox and Yankees will be tied for first going into their weekend showdown.

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.