Tigers' Zimmermann 'shocked' to be named Opening Day starter

The Detroit Tigers' decision to pick Jordan Zimmermann over Michael Fulmer for Opening Day against the Pittsburgh Pirates was a surprise to many, including Zimmermann.

Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire tabbed Zimmermann for the start Saturday, saying he "never really thought too much about anybody other than him." Meanwhile, Zimmermann said Sunday that he was "shocked" he got the nod over Fulmer.

"He probably deserved it more than me," Zimmermann said, via MLive.com. "I'd have been fine pitching the fifth day, as long as I'm in the rotation.

"I was, I guess, a little shocked that they (chose me for Opening Day). He's got his days coming. He's going to start plenty of Opening Days. He's going to have a bright future and he'll get his shot."

Zimmermann's 6.08 ERA in 29 starts last season was the highest in MLB of anyone who pitched at least 160 innings. The 31-year-old right-hander has been a disappointment since joining the Tigers on a five-year, $110 million contract, posting a 17-20 record and 5.60 ERA in his two seasons with the team.

Meanwhile, Fulmer, 25, has emerged as one of the game's top young pitchers. He won the American League Rookie of the Year in 2016 and followed up with his first All-Star selection in 2017, going 10-12 with a 3.83 ERA in 25 starts.

Fulmer has been battling elbow soreness in spring training, but pitching coach Chris Bosio said that didn't affect the team's decision.

"Mike very easily could have been the guy, but Gardy and I collectively thought that Jordan was the guy because of his experience and the way he's throwing the ball," Bosio said.

"Zimmermann is a veteran guy here and he was signed for this reason," Gardenhire said Saturday. "That's what they (Tigers front office personnel) told me and I believe them. To me, he's the leader of this group and I think he's the guy who should have the ball."

Zimmermann has a 4.15 ERA in four Grapefruit League starts this spring while Fulmer has a 3.60 ERA in his two starts.

"Obviously to say that I didn't want to start Opening Day would be a lie," Fulmer told MLB.com on Sunday. "Obviously it's everybody's dream. ... We're happy that Zim can lead us, being the veteran that he is."

--Field Level Media