DETROIT -- Michael Fulmer spent the break representing the Tigers at the 2017 MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard, even though he was inactive. He returned in time to hear the buzz of trade rumors sending him out of Detroit.
"I hear it," Fulmer said Friday. "If it's on social media, I see it, I hear it. But it's just rumors. I'm just going to pitch for the Tigers and go win every fifth day."
The rumors were short-lived. While the Tigers and Cubs were trying to find any common ground on a potential Justin Verlander trade, only to be thwarted by disagreements over Verlander's contract, the Cubs reportedly raised the idea of acquiring Fulmer instead. The idea didn't go far.
Even so, the possibility reinforces the front-office philosophy that goes back to general manager Al Avila's predecessor, Dave Dombrowski: No player is really untouchable, because there's no telling what a team might offer for a player. But for Fulmer, who is two years away from arbitration and five away from potential free agency, the Tigers would have to be overwhelmed.
Fulmer, for his part, said he's not fretting about it.
"I feel like everybody needs young, controllable pitching," Fulmer said, "but I'm not worried in any way, shape or form that I'm going to get out of here. I want to stay here. I love this team. I want everybody to stay here."
Quick hits
• Second baseman Ian Kinsler was not in the Tigers lineup Friday due to what manager Brad Ausmus classified as flu-like symptoms. Kinsler tried taking early batting practice, Ausmus said, but was unable to go.
• Daniel Norris threw a side session Friday to test the status of the groin strain that landed him on the 10-day disabled list last week. The Tigers need a fifth starter on Tuesday at Kansas City. Norris will be eligible to return by then, but if he's not ready, Ausmus said the Tigers could look to Matthew Boyd at Triple-A Toledo or do a bullpen start with Chad Bell, Warwick Saupold and others.