Boston Red Sox Injury News: Garrett Whitlock can’t catch a break
After Sunday afternoon’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays, the Boston Red Sox came out of it with good news and bad news.
The good news is that the Red Sox ended up winning the game 5-4. They even completed their second sweep of the season against this Jays squad! Oh and by the way, the Red Sox were 3-16 against the Jays just a season ago.
But with the good news came the bad news. The bad news was that starting pitcher Garrett Whitlock left the game after only one inning with right elbow tightness. The amount of time Whitlock will miss is to be determined.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Whitlock re-injuring his elbow
This is not the first time in the 2023 season that the right-handed starting pitcher is going to the injured list. Keep in mind, Whitlock was on the injured list with an elbow injury back in early April.
If that isn’t enough to get you worried, then keep in mind that Whitlock has had multiple arm injuries in the past. Remember, this is a guy that the Yankees left unprotected for the Red Sox to pick up in the Rule 5 Draft of December 2020. Why? Well, because he can’t stay healthy.
The tough part about Whitlock and all of his injuries is that he signed a four-year, $18.75 million extension from the Red Sox in April 2022. So the Red Sox are tied to Whitlock until at least 2025.
Boston Red Sox losing another starting pitcher in Garrett Whitlock
Losing Garrett Whitlock to an injury is the absolute last thing that the Red Sox needed to happen.
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This Boston Red Sox team keeps losing starting pitchers left and right. Chris Sale is going to be out until at least August. Tanner Houck will be out for the foreseeable future after taking a line drive to the face and needing surgery. Now we have Whitlock out with this elbow tightness.
So that leaves the starting rotation down to Brayan Bello, James Paxton, Kutter Crawford, and…? Exactly, we don’t know who else will start. Don’t be surprised if Nick Pivetta comes back into the rotation for the time being, after having a successful stint in the bullpen.
The Red Sox couldn’t afford to lose another starting pitcher with a season in limbo. But of course, they had Whitlock go down after one inning on Sunday afternoon. Brutal to think about!
Garrett Whitlock’s injury more bad timing for Red Sox
This is a really bad time for the Red Sox to lose another starting pitcher. Especially one with the caliber of talent that Garrett Whitlock possesses.
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When Whitlock eventually comes back from the IL, they need to put him back in the bullpen. Plain and simple!
He’s much more efficient and comfortable as a reliever and flat out dominates out of the bullpen.
As a starter, it’s creating more wear and tear on his arm. He’s a solid addition to the pitching staff as a whole, but it needs to be out of the ‘pen.
So get healthy soon Garrett Whitlock. We need you if the Boston Red Sox are going to have any chance at a potential playoff spot this season.