Standout Boston Red Sox Pitcher Garrett Whitlock Finally Activated From Injured List

Garrett Whitlock hasn't pitched for the Boston Red Sox since before the All-Star break, and he will move from the rotation to the bullpen upon his return.

The Boston Red Sox have activated right-handed pitcher Garrett Whitlock from the 15-day injured list, the team announced Sunday morning.

To make room for Whitlock on the active roster, the Red Sox optioned right-hander Kyle Barraclough to Triple-A Worcester. Barraclough made a single appearance with Boston, not allowing a run in 1.1 innings against the Detroit Tigers on Friday night.

Whitlock hasn't pitched at the major league level since July 2 due to right elbow inflammation. The 27-year-old hurler was also on the injured list from April 28 to May 27 with right elbow ulnar neuritis.

Boston sent Whitlock on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester this past week. Whitlock tossed 2.1 scoreless innings, striking out three and allowing two hits in his lone minor league outing Wednesday.

Before he went down with his latest elbow injury, Whitlock was 4-3 with a 5.23 ERA and 1.316 WHIP across 10 starts in 2023.

Whitlock was exclusively a reliever in 2021, spent limited time as a starter in 2022 and then became a full-time starter in 2023. For his career, Whitlock owns a 4.76 ERA and 1.290 WHIP as a starter and a 2.24 ERA and 0.994 WHIP as a reliever.

As a result, manager Alex Cora previously told reporters that Whitlock will be coming out of the bullpen upon his return from injury.

Chris Sale made his own return from the injured list on Friday, while right-hander Tanner Houck is expected to be activated next week. Shortstop Trevor Story made his season debut this past week as well, giving Boston significant reinforcements both on the mound and at the plate.

The Red Sox's series finale against the Tigers is set for 12:05 p.m. ET Sunday at Fenway Park. Boston is 61-56, putting the team 3.0 games back of the Toronto Blue Jays in the race for the final AL Wild Card spot.

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