The Boston Red Sox will activate right-handed pitcher Garrett Whitlock for Saturday’s doubleheader against the New York Yankees. Whitlock returns from the 15-day injured list following right elbow inflammation, bolstering Boston’s bullpen during a key American League Wild Card chase.
Interim manager Chad Tracy confirmed the club expects to add the 30-year-old reliever for the twin bill after he completed a live batting practice session in Miami. Boston opted against activating him on Friday to ensure two full days of rest following his workout against teammates Eli White and Caleb Durbin.
Reflecting on the need to face batters before returning to game action, Whitlock stated: “You don’t want to go too many days without having someone try and swing off you,”. He added that the session allowed him to “Knock the rust off. Make sure everything’s moving the way it’s supposed to,”.
Tracy was encouraged by the reliever’s physical response. He said: “He looked good. He felt good. So that’s a good outcome,”.
Whitlock went on the injured list on August 13, retroactive to August 10, after experiencing elbow inflammation. Relief pitcher Greg Weissert was recalled from Triple-A Worcester to fill the roster spot. Before the injury, Whitlock had compiled a 6-1 record, a 2.05 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and 21 holds across 44 innings as Boston’s main setup man ahead of closer Aroldis Chapman.
Historically, Whitlock has excelled against the Yankees, recording a 1.67 ERA and a .165 opponent batting average in 24 career appearances against them. Boston originally claimed him in the 2020 Rule 5 draft while he was recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Regarding his acquisition at the time, Red Sox vice president of professional scouting Gus Quattlebaum noted: “We’re really excited to land someone that we think has upside as a potential starter, or at a minimum can assume some volume either out of the ‘pen or as a starter,”.
Whitlock subsequently earned a four-year extension in 2022 after establishing himself in the Red Sox pitching staff. His reactivation comes at a crucial moment as Boston aims to narrow the gap behind New York in the standings.
