Michael Fulmer is making waves in the Cactus League, leading the SF Giants with his seventh appearance this spring. Invited to camp, Fulmer is showing the Giants exactly what he’s capable of, and it’s looking promising for his chances to make the team.
Spring training playing time often hints at a team’s interest in evaluating certain players, and Fulmer's frequent appearances are a strong indicator. On the batting side, players like Bryce Eldridge, Jerar Encarnación, Casey Schmitt, and Luis Matos are also getting significant looks, with each racking up over 38 plate appearances. This suggests the Giants are keen to thoroughly assess these potential roster additions.
Encarnación and Matos are particularly under the microscope as they’re out of minor league options, making this evaluation period crucial for their futures with the team.
Fulmer’s ties to Tony Vitello, who recruited him back in 2011, might be giving him an edge, but it’s his performance that’s truly standing out. He’s not alone in getting attention, as Caleb Kilian, Keaton Winn, and Spencer Bivens are also in the mix with six appearances each. Kilian, like Fulmer, is a non-roster invitee, while Winn and Bivens have minor league options but are impressing nonetheless.
A reliever with 6-8 spring appearances is often in a good position to make the team, and Fulmer is capitalizing on this opportunity. With a 3.00 ERA, 12 strikeouts, and just three walks over nine innings, he’s making a strong case for a spot in the bullpen. As the Giants continue to evaluate their options, Fulmer is certainly pitching his way into serious consideration.