The latest Cubs roster move sees the return of a face fans loved to hate

It appears that the Chicago Cubs are keeping fringe relievers on a tight leash these days. Days after designating Genesis Cabrera for assignment after serving up three-run shots in back-to-back outings, Chicago has optioned Nate Pearson to Triple-A Iowa, one day after he allowed five earned runs in two innings of work in his return to the big leagues.

In a corresponding move, the Cubs selected right-hander Michael Fulmer who, based on fans' initial reactions to the move on social media, most had forgotten was even back with the organization, let alone pitching well enough to warrant a big-league roster spot.

Michael Fulmer was a quiet workhorse for the Cubs' bullpen in 2023

If the name rings a bell, it's because Fulmer pitched for the Cubs back in 2023, making 58 appearances, including finishing 14 contests, and working to a 4.14 FIP and 10.3 K/9. At the end of the season, he had UCL surgery, which led to him signing a two-year, minor-league pact with the Boston Red Sox.

He joined the Boston bullpen in mid-April this spring and made one eventful appearance against Tampa Bay before quickly being designated for assignment. Days later, he re-joined the Cubs organization on a minor-league deal and has been pitching well for Iowa since, with a 2.96 ERA and 11.8 K/9 in 15 appearances.

Overall, between the Red Sox and Cubs' Triple-A affiliates this year, Fulmer has been solid: a 3:00 ERA, 1.194 WHIP and 12.5 K/9. He now looks to make his mark at the big-league level for the first time since '23 while Pearson heads back to Des Moines after a less-than-ideal outing over the weekend against Seattle.

It's tough to see because, as has been the case with Pearson for years, the intrigue and potential are mouth-watering. He's just never been able to translate those into consistent effectiveness against MLB hitters. Fulmer will, presumably, slot into a middle-innings role for manager Craig Counsell, whose bullpen enters Monday ranked ninth in ERA.