The Detroit Tigers want to avoid working Michael Fulmer too hard, but they have changed the way they evaluate his workload this summer.

The Tigers are now thinking in terms of pitch counts instead of innings. In terms of pitches thrown, the team believes they can keep him in a safe range the rest of the season without having to shut him down early, or maybe even skipping a start.

"In terms of pitches thrown, he's actually in real good shape," Brad Ausmus said.