Last season, there was a debate inside the Red Sox organization on what to do with Garrett Whitlock. Many people were debating whether he belongs in the rotation or the bullpen. Whitlock was used in both the rotation and the bullpen last season. This debate has been settled at least for now that Whitlock will open the season in the starting rotation. I believe Whitlock can be a successful starting pitcher this season.
The Red Sox Are Paying Him to Be a Starter
The Red Sox are certainly paying Whitlock starting pitcher money. Last April, Boston inked Whitlock to a four-year, $18.75 million extension which includes club options for 2027 and 2028. Unlike last season, the Red Sox won’t have Garrett Whitlock bounce between the starting rotation and the bullpen. Garrett Whitlock is also most comfortable being a starting pitcher and went through the Yankees farm system developing as one.
He Never Had Clarity on His Role Last Season
The pessimistic fan will tell you that Garrett Whitlock wasn’t a good starting pitcher last season. While his numbers (4.15 ERA as a starter to 2.75 ERA as a reliever) show that Whitlock was much better as a reliever, it’s unfair to use last year against him. Last season, there was a lockout, a shortened spring training, many injuries to the starting rotation, and mismanagement by the Red Sox. Whitlock was constantly shuffled back and forth between the rotation and the bullpen. Consequently, Whitlock never had any clarity on what his role was all season. This is probably part of the reason why Whitlock struggled as a starter because he could never establish a consistent routine.
The Difference Between Preparation
Preparation to be a starting pitcher is much different than it is to be a reliever. As a starter, you’re expected to last six innings and pitch to all batters two to three times in the game. This requires that player manage their stamina each inning and not use it all too early. Unlike relievers, starting pitchers also know for the most part when they’ll be pitching and typically have an established game-day routine. After a pitcher concludes their start, they’ll have some time off to recharge and get ready. This normally depends on where a pitcher is slotted in the rotation. Sometimes it might be four or five days until a starting pitcher has another outing scheduled.
As a relief pitcher, you never know when you’re going to have to enter the ball game. This requires that the pitcher be ready every game. These days how long a relief pitcher is in the game varies. depending on the game. The situations are also never the same for a relief pitcher. A reliever might be brought in to mop up a blowout, get out of a jam, set up the closer, or even close out the game. You are pretty much a “jack of all trades” pitcher as a reliever.
Still Recovering From Hip Surgery
Garrett Whitlock looked fantastic in his 2 innings of work.
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) March 15, 2023
3 Ks, 1 BB, 0 Hits, 0 ER/R.
Just what you wanted to see. pic.twitter.com/p0toUGEQ2m
One thing that is a little concerning for Garrett Whitlock is the lack of time preparing to be a starter in spring training. Whitlock has been recovering from arthroscopic hip surgery that ended his 2022 season. However, Whitlock made his first start of spring on March 15th and pitched two innings allowing no hits and three strikeouts. It is still to be determined whether he will be ready for opening day. However, a pitching debut like that is a step in the right direction.
An Effective Arsenal Of Pitches
Garrett Whitlock looking like a good addition to the Red Sox with this changeup movement pic.twitter.com/Buc82yW5YX
— Nick Pollack (@PitcherList) April 9, 2021
I believe Garrett Whitlock can be a quality starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. His arsenal of pitches includes a fastball, sinker, change-up, and slider. Whitlock has really moved away from his fastball and tends to lean more on his three other pitches, particularly his sinker. All three of those pitches have been very effective for Whitlock. Last season, opponents only combined to hit .224 with nine home runs whenever he threw his off-speed pitches.
Ace Potential
Now that Garrett Whitlock has clarity on his role, an arsenal of effective off-speed pitches, and time train as a starter; Whitlock can make 2023 his breakout season. With a pitching rotation that has more questions than answers, Whitlock can secure a spot in the rotation going forward. Given the health issues of Chris Sale, James Paxton, and Corey Kluber, Whitlock also has an opportunity to become the ace. Besides their health issues, Sale, Paxton, and Kluber aren’t getting any younger either. This presents even more opportunity for Whitlock to possibly establish himself as the leader of the Sox starting rotation. He’s currently only 26 and this is the season where he enters the prime of his career.
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