Under-the-radar SF Giants reliever has an opening after Joel Peguero injury

The SF Giants entered spring training with the competition for the bullpen being pretty wide open. That has only become more true after right-handed flamethrower Joel Peguero's hamstring injury which opens the door for Michael Fulmer, a guy who has flown under the radar.

Peguero was diagnosed with a grade 2 hamstring strain so it is going to take some time for him to get right. He will likely begin the regular season on the injured list so that opens up the competition even more.

Fulmer has his chance after Peguero's hamstring injury

The Giants sneakily signed Fulmer, a former AL Rookie of the Year, out of nowhere at the start of camp. While he never quite lived up to the expectations that come along with being a Rookie of the Year winner, he has been a solid pitcher who has bounced around from team to team.

He missed 2024 due to injury and only pitched in three big league games last season, but in Triple-A last year he had a 3.39 ERA in 45 appearances. His last time pitching a lot in the big leagues was in 2023 with the Chicago Cubs when he had a 4.42 ERA in 58 appearances.

So far in spring training with the Giants, he has pitched four scoreless innings and has struck out six batters while walking three and not allowing a single hit. He looked good on Wednesday night against the Seattle Mariners so he is definitely trending towards potentially earning himself a roster spot.

Fulmer is not the only non-roster invite who has impressed in spring training so far, though. Gregory Santos and Caleb Killian are two other guys who have looked really strong so this bullpen competition seems like it is going to be coming down to the wire.

Another key bullpen injury to keep an eye on is with Erik Miller. The left-hander has yet to appear in a Cactus League game this spring due to a back injury so if he also has to start the year on the IL that will obviously open up another spot in the bullpen.

It's easy to overlook Fulmer when there are other guys in camp throwing harder, but experienced veterans like him have a way of winning these camp battles so if he continues to look good these last few weeks do not be surprised if he ends up on the Opening Day roster.