Tigers’ Michael Fulmer will not pitch in 2nd round of World Baseball Classic

Amid the excitement surrounding the opening day of the World Baseball Classic, there is a tinge of disappointment today. AL Rookie of the Year winner Michael Fulmer, who is part of the pool of potential pitchers for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, has been scrapped from the team’s potential second round roster.

Fulmer sprained his ankle on Sunday while performing agility drills prior to the Detroit Tigers’ spring training game against the Philadelphia Phillies. While the injury is not likely to pose any risks to Fulmer for the regular season, it has put a damper on his hopes to represent Team USA in the WBC.

Because Fulmer will have to skip Monday’s start against the Baltimore Orioles — Mike Pelfrey will take the mound instead — Tigers’ manager Brad Ausmus said, “Just from a pitch-count perspective, he won't be up enough.”

Barring any further complications from the sprain, Fulmer may still be called upon to play in the championship round for the American team, but that would be a long shot at this point.

Fulmer is slated to take his next start on Sunday.