The Boston Red Sox have added some intriguing pieces to their bullpen this offseason signing Aroldis Chapman and Justin Wilson over the last two months.
However, they’ve also added a pitcher to the bullpen who was already on the roster but performing in a different role, as right-handed pitcher Garrett Whitlock revealed that he’ll be moving back to relief after splitting time between the bullpen and rotation since 2022.
The 28-year-old missed most of last season with an elbow injury that limited him to just four starts. He was great in those games, posting a 1.96 ERA, 1.145 WHIP and 8.3 K/9 over 18 1/3 innings. before the injury.
Why is he moving back?
“I think it was just kind of a little bit of everything,” Whitlock said. “It’s one of those things where obviously I still have the repertoire and everything to start. If they need me to do that, I’ll do that, but just talking to (Alex Cora) and everything, it’s comfortable down there. It’s where I’ve had success and everything. It’s what we think is gonna help give the team the best chance to win, so we’re gonna do that.”
In his career, he’s made 23 starts, recording a 4.29 ERA, 1.266 WHIP and 8.4 K/9 over 109 innings. He’s also appeared in 80 games out of the bullpen, where he’s been significantly better – 2.65 ERA, 1.048 WHIP, 10.2 K/9 over 132 2/3 innings.
Moving Whitlock back to the bullpen gives Boston another multi-inning option who can completely shut down a lineup for a full turn through the order. He could be invaluable to help give the rest of the guys in the bullpen with him some rest.
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