Michael Fulmer news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Yankees signed Michael Fulmer to a major league contract on Aug 26, 2026. The 33-year-old former Rookie of the Year joins a bullpen in need after Fernando Cruz's injury.
Background
The New York Yankees have been dealing with pitching injuries, prompting roster moves. Fernando Cruz was placed on the injured list with a partial UCL tear, creating a vacancy. Michael Fulmer, a veteran right-hander, was recently designated for assignment by the Angels and elected free agency. He signed a minor league deal with the Yankees on Tuesday and was added to the active roster Wednesday.
How it unfolded
- Aug 26, 2026Yankees place Fernando Cruz on IL with partial UCL tear and sign Michael Fulmer to a major league contract, adding him to the active roster.
- Aug 26, 2026Fulmer, who was designated for assignment by the Angels on Sunday, clears waivers and signs a minor league deal with the Yankees, then is selected to the major league roster.
- Aug 27, 2026Fulmer expresses hope that the Yankees can be his permanent stop, noting they were the first team to call after he cleared waivers.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Some analysts note Fulmer's limited recent big league sample (9.1 innings over two seasons) but point to his solid Triple-A numbers (2.93 ERA) as a positive.
- Caution
- Fulmer has been released by two teams this season and has undergone two Tommy John surgeries, raising durability concerns.
Still unverified
Fernando Cruz's injury was initially reported as elbow discomfort, but later reports specified a partial UCL tear; the exact severity and timeline for return are unconfirmed.