Michael Fulmer’s slider is his ticket to ace status

Michael Fulmer is a name now. The 2016 AL Rookie of the Year came back with a solid sophomore season, and was on everyone’s mind this offseason as the subject of trade speculation. Fully recovered from nerve transposition surgery on his elbow in the offseason, Fulmer aims to take the reins as the Detroit Tigers’ ace in 2018, and perhaps beyond. To that end, he and new pitching coach Chris Bosio have keyed on his slider as their focus for improvement this season.

Fulmer is plenty good already. Before the nerve issue really became a plague on his stuff, Fulmer was on track for a fine second MLB season. If he does nothing more than stay healthy, pitch like he has already shown himself capable,…