Tigers RHP Fulmer slated to undergo knee surgery

Fulmer will receive a second opinion from orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. If the meniscus tear is confirmed by Andrews, surgery will take place Thursday.

Detroit Tigers right-hander Michael Fulmer is slated to undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, manager Ron Gardenhire told reporters on Tuesday.

Fulmer will receive a second opinion from orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. If the meniscus tear is confirmed by Andrews, surgery will take place Thursday.

Gardenhire said Fulmer is expected to be ready for spring training in mid-February.

Fulmer left Saturday's game against the Cleveland Indians after five pitches because of knee pain. He gave up two homers in his brief outing, and Gardenhire surmised Fulmer aggravated the knee while fielding a bunt that went foul on the first pitch of the game.

The 25-year-old Fulmer has struggled through a poor season, going 3-12 with a 4.69 ERA in 24 starts. He has lost seven straight decisions.

"It's been a very frustrating year for him," Gardenhire said. "He's still a very talented guy."

Fulmer underwent surgery on the same knee in 2013 when he was a member of the New York Mets' organization.