The former first-round pick was let go from his minor league deal with the Seattle Mariners in March 2023. Just two months later, the Los Angeles Angels reached out, a moment Fulmer described in an interview with The Athletic as one that kept him from retiring.
The former first-round pick by the Chicago White Sox had been continuing his career in Triple-A with the Pittsburgh Pirates’ affiliate this season, but was released on Monday.
On Wednesday, Carson Fulmer signed a new minor league deal with the Angels and was assigned to Triple-A Salt Lake.
Now 31, Fulmer is hoping his second stint with the Angels lasts longer than his first. Between 2023 and 2024, he made 40 MLB appearances for the club, posting a 1-6 record with a 4.00 ERA (105 ERA+).
Over the course of his career, Fulmer has pitched in 114 major league games for the White Sox, Tigers, Orioles, Reds, and Angels, compiling a 7-15 record with a 5.38 ERA.
Primarily used as a reliever in the majors, he has performed slightly better out of the bullpen—owning a 5.19 ERA and a 1.70 strikeout-to-walk ratio—compared to his time as a starter, where he holds a 5.64 ERA and a 1.54 K/BB ratio.
In related news: An Angels outfielder recently credited Mike Trout with having an “unbelievable” impact on him.
That figures to be Fulmer’s role if he returns to Anaheim. The Angels have one of the worst bullpens in Major League Baseball this season, with a 5.75 ERA (28th in the league) and .281 opponents’ batting average (30th).
Fulmer compiled 42.2 innings for Triple-A Indianapolis and recorded a 4.64 ERA. He opened the season as a member of the rotation but allowed 17 runs in 28.2 innings (5.43 ERA). Since moving back to the bullpen, he has a 3.21 ERA.
Ryan Zeferjahn, Hector Neris, Hunter Strickland and Connor Brogdon currently comprise the Angels’ right-handed relief bridge to closer Kenley Jansen.
Strickland, now 36, has delivered 7.2 scoreless innings in his second stint with the Angels. However, his ability to miss bats appears diminished—he’s struck out just two of the first 29 batters he’s faced this season, raising concerns about his effectiveness going forward.
On the other hand, Zeferjahn has emerged as the Angels’ most dependable setup man so far this year. But with 25 appearances and a 1.57 WHIP, there may be some concern about how heavily he’s being relied upon.
Taken together, these factors could open the door for Carson Fulmer to work his way back into the Angels’ bullpen at some point this season.
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