When the Red Sox secured Garrett Whitlock with a long-term extension in the spring of 2022, they had high hopes for him to become a reliable part of the starting rotation for years to come. However, his progress has been hindered by a series of injuries over the past two years.
Whitlock’s 2022 season was disrupted by a hip issue that required significant offseason surgery. In the following season, he faced three separate stints on the injured list due to the recovery from surgery and two issues with his right elbow. These setbacks, along with resulting inconsistency, contributed to the team’s decline to last place in each season.
Acknowledging his performance shortcomings, Whitlock expressed a determination to step up his game. Now fully recovered, he has devoted considerable effort in the offseason to building strength and preparing for a full season’s workload. The visible results, including an improved physique, have caught attention.
In contrast to his previous struggles with injuries and rehabilitation, Whitlock’s current physical state reflects a marked improvement. Acquired from the New York Yankees in the Rule 5 Draft before the 2021 season, he excelled in the bullpen during his rookie season but faced challenges transitioning to the starting rotation in 2022 due to the hip injury.
After undergoing corrective surgery, Whitlock spent the entire last offseason rehabbing and dealt with elbow troubles once he returned to the mound. Now, with both Tommy John and hip recoveries behind him, Whitlock is eager to play an unrestricted season.
The competition for a spot in Boston’s rotation is tough, with Whitlock vying against other pitchers like Tanner Houck and Josh Winckowski. Red Sox manager Alex Cora emphasizes the need for improvement from pitchers like Whitlock for the team to move up from the bottom of the AL East.
Whitlock’s success is crucial to Boston’s prospects, and if he can overcome his past struggles and consistently perform while pitching every fifth day, it could significantly transform the rotation’s outlook for both the short and long term. His goal for the upcoming season is to achieve consistency and maintain good health throughout.
