Detroit Tigers place Michael Fulmer on DL with oblique injury

Anthony Fenech | Detroit Free Press

Michael Fulmer is not getting traded before the trade deadline.

In a surprising move prior to their second-half opener against the Red Sox, the Detroit Tigers placed their ace right-hander on the 10-day disabled list with a left oblique strain.

Fulmer reported no such injury issue after his last start on Saturday against the Astros, in which he allowed a season-high seven earned runs on 10 hits in a loss.

Fulmer has been talked about as the Tigers’ top trade chip heading into the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, rumored to be of interest to contending teams for his performance, front-line potential and contract. Fulmer, 26, is under team control for four more seasons after this one.

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Given his latest injury, which will sideline him until at least July 30, it seems highly unlikely an opposing team would part with the prospects requisite to acquire Fulmer.

This season, he has posted a 4.50 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 19 starts, rebounding well from right elbow ulnar nerve transposition surgery last off-season, despite a down-tick in his normal numbers.

Fulmer won the 2016 American League Rookie of the Year Award.

Contact Anthony Fenech: afenech@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @anthonyfenech.