Over the course of his Red Sox career, teases occasionally came and went of moving Garrett Whitlock to the starting rotation. With that possibility still open down the road, Boston got its first glimpse of such a scenario when he made his first career start on Saturday.
Whitlock did exactly what he has done in every role with the Red Sox: work efficiently and dominate opposing hitters. The righty gave Boston four scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out seven.
Whitlock enjoyed the opportunity and spoke to his abilities in a new role.
“I try and stay in a rhythm,” Whitlock told reporters after the game. “Obviously as a pitcher you try and dictate that and everything. I’m just always trying to attack the zone, and that has kind of been my key.”
Whitlock’s success as a starter presents a good challenge for the Red Sox. Is he best suited to stay in the bullpen or make the jump to the starting rotation?
With big arms such as Chris Sale and James Paxton recovering from injury and Tanner Houck unable to pitch in Toronto as an unvaccinated player, Whitlock would fill a solid hole in the rotation with durability and quality innings. At the same time, Whitlock is a highly versatile reliever in a bullpen that continues to find stability in high leverage situations.
Whitlock’s success presents the Red Sox with a great problem to have. Whether he jumps to the rotation or stays in the bullpen, Whitlock remains one of baseball’s most valuable arms.
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