MLB All-Star Game 2017: Michael Fulmer selected to AL pitching roster

In spite of an otherwise dismal season for the Detroit Tigers there have been some tremendous performances worthy of note. The All-Star Game, while largely a popularity contest, is also an opportunity for players and fans to reward quality performances with a chance to shine at the big game in Miami on July 11.

While no Tigers were selected by popular vote (Miguel Cabrera was the only one to briefly lead in this category, and ultimately dropped from the top spot before voting concluded), there are a few players who have made the final cut and will be representing Detroit in the All-Star Game.

The final announcements for the All-Star roster were made Sunday at 7pm EST, and the only Tiger who made the list was Michael Fulmer. Fulmer, the 2016 Rookie of the Year, is making his first All-Star appearance.

Pitchers and reserver players, unlike the popular vote selected starting rotation (chosen by fans) are selected by a combination of player ballot and selections chosen by the commissioner's office, meaning players who were deemed worthy of recognition by the best of the best. In this way, it’s almost a bigger reward to be selected in the reserves. He joins some fine company.

This year the game itself is just for fun once more. It no longer determines which team will get home field advantage in the World Series. That said, however, it’s still a wonderful feather in the cap of the players selected, and for the Tigers who are on the roster, it has to feel good to see their names listed.

Of his selection, Fulmer told reporters, “It’s a blessing. It truly is. Just to have the respect and votes from my peers and coaches and analysts, it’s an honor. Not even in my dreams. This past year is what I've been thinking about my whole life, just not on this scale.”

Congrats to Michael, who will certainly make Tigers fans proud when he heads to Miami over the All-Star break.