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Cubs Select Michael Fulmer, Option Nate Pearson Ahead of Crucial Cardinals Series
Cubs Select Michael Fulmer, Option Nate Pearson Ahead of Crucial Cardinals Series originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Chicago Cubs head to the St. Louis Cardinals to start a massive series on June 23rd. But, before the series kicks off, the Cubs made a roster move that changes the pitching staff.
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According to the Cubs on Twitter/X, they have selected right-handed pitcher Michael Fulmer from Triple-A Iowa and optioned right-handed pitcher Nate Pearson to Triple-A Iowa.
This move shakes up the Cubs' bullpen and adds a veteran in Fulmer to the mix while sending Pearson down to Triple-A to rework on his stuff after a rough stint in the Majors.
Fulmer is a 32-year-old veteran who was previously with the Boston Red Sox in 2025. He pitched in just one game for the Red Sox, finishing with three earned runs in 2.2 innings of work.
Back in 2023, Fulmer pitched with the Cubs and was decent. He had a 4.42 ERA in 58 games and struck out 65 batters in 57 innings of work. He had an ERA+ of 107, meaning he was an above-average pitcher for the Cubs in 2023.
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell (11) walks off the field after he is ejected in the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Osentoski-Imagn Images
In Triple-A Iowa, Fulmer had a 2.96 ERA in 15 games, which included 32 strikeouts, 11 walks, and three home runs allowed in 24.1 innings of work. Fulmer is a multi-innings reliever at this point in his career, and could even get a spot start if needed.
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Meanwhile, Pearson had struggled mightily in 2025 for the Cubs. He had a 12.66 ERA in nine games for the Cubs. He went just 10.2 innings, allowed 15 earned runs, and gave up nine walks to just six strikeouts.
Throughout his MLB career, he's struggled on the mound. His career ERA is up to 5.31, and despite finishing 2024 with the Cubs at a 2.73 ERA in 19 games, his Cubs career ERA surged to 5.59 after his disastrous 2025 stint.
The Cubs, ahead of a huge series against the Cardinals, are shaking things up in the bullpen. This move is bringing in a veteran who's had success in Chicago before. Fulmer will look to rekindle his MLB career after pitching in just one inning since 2023.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
