After a rough patch, Fulmer seeking another shot with White Sox
GLENDALE, Ariz. - Much has changed in one year for Carson Fulmer.
At this time last spring, Fulmer was the Chicago White Sox's top pitching prospect, and the former Vanderbilt All-American was eager to show the world why he was the No. 8 overall pick in the 2015 draft.
This spring, Fulmer is trying to regroup from an erratic first full season in pro baseball while keeping up with new White Sox pitching prospects Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez and Michael Kopech.
"The coaching staff has told us young guys that in order to be a good pitcher in the big leagues, you have to have failure at one point," Fulmer said. "Last year, I had some struggles. I needed to learn more about myself and my ability. I got kicked around a little bit and I think that's beneficial.
"It definitely helped me prepare myself for this year and really get ready to have a good year. It's a new year. I have high expectations for myself and am really looking forward to having the opportunity to prove myself once again."
Fulmer opened the 2016 season as a starter with Class AA Birmingham, and he struggled in 17 starts for the Barons while going 4-9 with a 4.76 ERA.
Nonetheless, the Sox's bullpen was ravaged by injuries heading into the all-star break and fresh arms were in demand. With a glaring lack of depth in the system, Fulmer got the call and he made his major-league debut on July 17, pitching 2 scoreless innings of relief against the Angels in Anaheim, Calif.
"You've been working your whole life to get to that point, and I think the biggest thing is being able to get the experience in those in-game moments," the 23-year-old Fulmer said. "I feel like the only way I get better is if I face really good competition. Obviously, being in the big leagues, that's what you get."
Fulmer tailed off after his scoreless debut against the Angels, and the right-hander was optioned to Class AAA Charlotte after going 0-2 with an 8.49 ERA in 8 relief appearances.
Throwing strikes was Fulmer's biggest problem, but he worked with Charlotte pitching coach Richard Dotson and adjusted his delivery.
The change worked very well, and Fulmer allowed only 1 earned run in 15 innings over his last three starts with the Knights. He also had 14 strikeouts and only 3 walks over the closing stretch.
"My first start in Triple-A was in Gwinnett, and I didn't have the best success," Fulmer said of an outing that lasted just 1 inning and resulted in 6 runs allowed on 5 hits and 2 walks. "But I was able to spend a little time with Richard Dotson and you know, not really change anything but figure a couple of things out.
"He had a ton of success in the big leagues. Being around someone like that to ask questions to was really a big part of why I had success in Triple-A after that start."
Fulmer's delivery was herky jerky when he was getting roughed up, and Dotson helped him make an alteration.
"Staying tall and really just getting the ball down," Fulmer said. "That's the most important thing. Keep the ball down and you will have success. He definitely helped me."
Doton was promoted to minor-league pitching coordinator after last season, and he's still working with Fulmer in training camp this spring. Fulmer is getting additional help from Sox veterans Jose Quintana, Miguel Gonzalez, Derek Holland and James Shields.
"He's full of life," Shields said of Fulmer. "He's a winner at heart. He comes in here every day and wants to learn something new. That's a good attribute to have.
"We talk a lot. I watch what he's doing out there and give him some pointers on things that I went through when I was young. He knows I'm here for him whenever he needs me."