Detroit Tigers Players of the Month: Fulmer & Iglesias

According to the Detroit Tigers social media, Michael Fulmer and Jose Iglesias were named the pitcher and player of the month.

Were they the most deserving Detroit Tigers position player and pitcher in June?

Let’s look at the numbers and the competition:

When it comes to pitching, it is easy to see why Fulmer was named the Pitcher of the Month. In the last 30 days, his ERA is 0.62 in 29 innings pitched. The only pitcher with a lower ERA is Andrew Romine who pitched in .2 innings and has 0.00. Fulmer’s WHIP for June was 0.90.

The veteran aces on the team have a much higher numbers. Justin Verlander has a 4.12 ERA and a WHIP of 1.12. Jordan Zimmermann, whose numbers in April were like Fulmer’s in June, had a 6.43 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in this past month. And Pelfrey, who technically can’t be called an “ace,” had a 5.13 ERA with a WHIP of 1.71. Yes…Pelfrey allowed fewer runs than Zimmermann in June.

Jun 22, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Michael Fulmer (32) walks off the field after being relieved in the fifth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Two of the bullpen pitchers should earn some recognition for their good work during the month of June. Kyle Ryan and Bruce Rondon stepped up to help the team. Ryan’s ERA was 1.23 in 6 games and 7.1 innings of work. Rondon had a WHIP of 0.57 with an ERA of 1.29 in 7 innings and 5 games. Their performances were not as noteworthy as Fulmer’s, but when it comes to pitching out of the pen, their reliability has certainly helped the team.

Fulmer deserves the monthly award from his team. And, in all honesty, he should have received it from the MLB, too. He set the new Detroit Tigers’ record for starts by a rookie. Until Kansas City Royals Salvador Perez‘s home run against him, Fulmer threw 33 1/3 innings without allowing a run. For comparison, Orel Hershiser threw 32 scoreless innings in 1984. It is safe to say that Fulmer is a pitcher to watch.

When it comes to position players, was Jose Iglesias the most deserving in June? He did have some notable stats that set him apart from the rest of team. One of his best stats is in the strikeout category. Of the everyday starters, Iglesias had significantly fewer than the rest of the men on his team. He had 7 strikeouts in 95 at-bats. In comparison, Cameron Maybin had 14 K’s in 94 at-bats, Victor Martinez had 23 K’s in 95 at-bats, and James McCann had 23 K’s in 72 at-bats.

Iglesias stole two bases, hit two home runs, and had nine walks. In all of 2015, Iglesias hit two home runs. To make the two June home runs even more not hit off of average pitchers. His first of the month was off of Chris Sale and the second was off of Adam Conley. His first home run in May was off of Max Scherzer.