Garrett Whitlock confirms he’ll pitch out of the bullpen for Red Sox in 2025
Whitlock saw success as a full-time reliever in 2021, recording a 1.96 ERA as a rookie.
MORE RED SOX
Garrett Whitlock has bounced back and forth between starting games and pitching out of the bullpen over the last few seasons.
The right-hander has seen success as a starter and a reliever since entering MLB with the Red Sox in 2021. But given Whitlock’s lengthy injury history, Boston seems to have decided it’s best to keep him in the bullpen.
Whitlock clearly defined his role when speaking with reporters at the Red Sox’ “Fenway Fest” on Saturday.
“Let’s go back to the bullpen, baby,” he said (via MassLive’s Chris Cotillo).
The 28-year-old is coming off a season in which he pitched just four games (all starts) due to multiple debilitating injuries. Whitlock first suffered an oblique strain in April, and then underwent season-ending elbow surgery in May following a rehab outing.
In 2023, he made 22 appearances, 10 being starts. Whitlock posted a 5.15 ERA over 71 ⅔ innings. But he also saw himself on the injured list for 59 combined games with right elbow irritation and inflammation throughout the season, which may have contributed to his less-than-ideal numbers.
Whitlock spoke about his lowly 2023 campaign last winter and called himself out.
“I think I was the worst guy on the roster last year,” he said on Jan. 20 last year. “I’ve really got to step it up.”
Before that, 2022 was a promising year for Whitlock. He pitched in 31 games, nine of those being starts, and showed that he could have a bright future in Boston. The Red Sox could have opted to make Whitlock a full-time starter or reliever the following season, but didn’t commit either way.
It’s possible that the lack of stability contributed to Whitlock’s hefty list of injuries down the road.
Boston and Whitlock alike are hoping that making him a permanent relief arm will help him return to his dominant 2021 self. That year marked his rookie season, a season in which he pitched out of the bullpen 46 times in 73 ⅓ innings. Whitlock posted a 1.96 ERA, an 8-4 record, and 81 strikeouts to 64 hits allowed.
If Whitlock can achieve anything close to those numbers in 2025, combined with quality performances out of Red Sox pitchers, the Red Sox will hope to take that into the postseason again.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com