Tigers' Fulmer thankful, refreshed after mini-load management break

Chicago — Tigers late-inning reliever Michael Fulmer made six appearances over a 12-day stretch from May 19 through May 30. And, entering play Friday, he hadn't pitched since.

It seemed fair to inquire whether or not he might be dealing with a physical issue.

“This is all on purpose,” manager AJ Hinch said before the game. “But I’m not going to report on every single strategy that we have to try to keep guys fresh. We wanted to give him a break through the Milwaukee series, then we got beat yesterday so there was no reason to use him.”

Fulmer is indeed healthy and available. But he was worn down from making 13 appearances, most on one or two days of rest, and throwing 14 high-leverage,…