Garrett Whitlock Injury Update: What Happened to Garrett Whitlock?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Jul 04, 2023
Who is Garrett Whitlock?
Garrett Getts Whitlock, born on June 11, 1996, is an American professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Boston Red Sox in Major League Baseball (MLB). Standing at a height of 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) and weighing 190 pounds (86 kg), Whitlock throws and bats with his right hand.
During his younger years, Whitlock attended Providence Christian Academy located in Lilburn, Georgia. As a junior, he displayed impressive skills on the field, boasting a batting average of .369 and a commendable earned run average (ERA) of 1.95. Despite not being selected as a notable prospect during the 2015 Major League Baseball draft, Whitlock decided to pursue his academic and athletic aspirations at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
It was at UAB where he continued his baseball journey as a member of the UAB Blazers. In 2016, he had the opportunity to showcase his talents in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League while playing for the Chatham Anglers. Throughout his time at UAB, Whitlock achieved a 4.07 ERA and secured a record of 3 wins and 6 losses during his sophomore year.
After completing his second year at UAB, Whitlock's potential caught the attention of the New York Yankees, who subsequently selected him in the 18th round of the 2017 Major League Baseball draft. Whitlock made the decision to sign with the Yankees, embarking on his professional career.
Garrett Whitlock Injury Update
Garrett Whitlock, starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, appears to be heading to the injured list due to an elbow issue. However, there is some positive news regarding the severity of his injury. During Sunday's start against the Toronto Blue Jays, Whitlock experienced "elbow tightness," leading to his departure from the game.
As a result, it is expected that he will be placed on the 15-day injured list in the near future. Nonetheless, the Red Sox seem to have caught a break as the injury is not considered serious, according to a report from Sean McAdam of The Springfield Republican. The fact that Whitlock's right elbow injury is not deemed severe is a relief for the Red Sox, considering their current rotation concerns.
The team has already dealt with injuries to key pitchers such as Chris Sale and Tanner Houck, who are currently on the injured list. Additionally, Corey Kluber, who joined the Red Sox this season, has struggled both with injuries and effectiveness. Whitlock, in his first full year as a starter after transitioning between the rotation and bullpen in previous seasons, has posted a 4-3 record with a 5.23 ERA. If he only misses one start due to his elbow issue, it would be a significant positive outcome for the Red Sox.
While Whitlock's injury will necessitate a stint on the injured list, the Red Sox can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the issue is not expected to be a serious or long-term setback. The team, already grappling with pitching concerns, will likely look forward to Whitlock's return to the rotation after a brief recovery period.
What Happened to Garrett Whitlock?
Garrett Whitlock, the starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, had a short outing on Sunday against the Toronto Blue Jays. Unfortunately, it was not due to performance-related issues but rather an injury. Whitlock pitched one inning but did not return to the mound for the second inning.
Brennan Bernardino took over in relief as Whitlock left the game due to right elbow tightness, as announced by the Red Sox. During his lone frame of work, the right-hander did not exhibit any apparent signs of injury. He successfully retired the first two hitters he faced, including striking out Bo Bichette, but then gave up a solo home run to Brandon Belt. Whitlock threw 11 of his 18 pitches for strikes.
Earlier in the season, Whitlock had already experienced a right elbow injury, which caused concern among Red Sox fans. He spent a month on the injured list due to right elbow ulnar neuritis but made his return in late May. Before Sunday's start, Whitlock held a 4-3 record with a 5.23 ERA.
He aimed for a bounce-back performance after allowing 11 hits and six earned runs in 4 2/3 innings against the Miami Marlins in his previous outing. The Red Sox were already dealing with a thin starting rotation, with Tanner Houck and Chris Sale on the injured list. Currently, they have been employing an opener every fifth day, and depending on the severity of Whitlock's injury, another spot may need to be filled.
Whitlock's early departure from the game due to elbow tightness is a setback for the Red Sox, who are already grappling with pitching injuries. The team will likely need to address the situation and make adjustments to their rotation as they await further updates on Whitlock's condition.
Garrett Whitlock Career at Red Sox
Garrett Whitlock's journey in professional baseball has been nothing short of remarkable. In December 2020, the Boston Red Sox recognized his potential and selected him in the Rule 5 draft. He impressed the team during spring training and earned a spot on the Red Sox' Opening Day roster in 2021.
Whitlock made his MLB debut on April 4, 2021, showcasing his talent and composure on the mound. In an impressive relief appearance against the Baltimore Orioles, he struck out five batters and didn't allow a single run in 3+1/3 innings pitched. This remarkable start set the tone for his rookie season.
As the season progressed, Whitlock continued to make an impact. On June 5, he earned his first major league win by delivering a scoreless 1+2/3 innings in relief against the New York Yankees. Just ten days later, he achieved another milestone when he stepped up to the plate in an interleague game and recorded his first career hit with a single off Braves reliever Edgar Santana.
Whitlock's contributions throughout the 2021 regular season were exceptional. In 46 relief appearances, he pitched 73+1/3 innings and boasted an impressive 1.96 ERA with 81 strikeouts. His remarkable performance earned him recognition as a key asset for the Red Sox as they advanced to the postseason, where he made five relief appearances, securing a win and allowing only two runs in 8+1/3 innings.
Recognizing Whitlock's potential, the Red Sox signed him to a four-year, $18.75 million extension on April 10, 2022. He began the 2022 season as a member of the bullpen but later transitioned to the starting rotation. Despite facing some challenges, including two stints on the injured list, Whitlock demonstrated resilience and determination.
Entering the 2023 season, Whitlock embarked on a rehab assignment with the Worcester Red Sox before making his return to the team on April 11. However, he faced another setback as he was placed on the injured list on April 28 due to right elbow ulnar neuritis. Once again, he demonstrated his resilience and determination by making a successful comeback, returning to the team on May 27.
Garrett Whitlock's journey is an inspiration, filled with noteworthy achievements and a relentless spirit. From his impressive MLB debut to his standout performances in the postseason, he has proven himself to be a valuable asset for the Boston Red Sox. Despite the challenges he has faced, he continues to persevere, leaving an indelible mark on the field and inspiring others with his unwavering dedication to the game he loves.
Garrett Whitlock Personal Life
Garrett Whitlock is married to Jordan Whitlock, whom he tied the knot with on November 23, 2019, at Blue Mountain Vineyards. The couple's love story dates back to their freshman year at the University of Alabama, where they began dating in 2015. In 2018, Garrett proposed to Jordan, getting down on one knee at a walkway in Tampa, Florida.
The couple took another significant step in their relationship when they purchased their first home together in Florida the following year. Jordan proudly shared a picture of herself and Garrett outside their new home, accompanied by a moving truck parked outside, symbolizing their exciting new chapter.
Jordan's Instagram account is filled with cherished moments of the couple's journey together. While they started dating in 2015, one of their earliest shared photos dates back to 2016. Garrett confirmed their relationship on Instagram on March 4, 2016, by posting a photo of the two of them seated in the front seat of a car, accompanied by a birthday message for Jordan.
The couple's wedding description on Zola revealed that they first met in the laundry room of their university, an encounter that sparked love at first sight for Garrett. Over the years, they have continued to share glimpses of their lives together, including date nights and outings with friends. For instance, Jordan posted a photo of herself, Garrett, and a couple of their friends on a trip to Stone Mountain Park Laser Lawn.
Garrett Whitlock's wife, Jordan, has been a constant support throughout his baseball journey. She has kept their followers updated on their lives together, capturing the milestones and special moments they've shared. Their love story is a testament to their enduring relationship, which began in college and has blossomed into a marriage filled with love and happiness.
Garrett Whitlock Injury Update - FAQs
The latest update on Garrett Whitlock's injury is that he is expected to be placed on the 15-day injured list due to elbow tightness.
Garrett Whitlock, the starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, had a short outing on Sunday against the Toronto Blue Jays. Unfortunately, it was not due to performance-related issues but rather an injury. Whitlock pitched one inning but did not return to the mound for the second inning.
Garrett Whitlock's injury is described as right elbow tightness. Fortunately, the injury is not considered to be serious, providing some relief for the Boston Red Sox.
The exact duration of Garrett Whitlock's absence is uncertain at this time. However, if the injury is not severe, he may only miss one start, which would be a positive outcome for the Red Sox.
Garrett Whitlock's injury adds to the existing concerns in the Boston Red Sox's pitching rotation. With Chris Sale, Tanner Houck, and Corey Kluber already on the injured list, the team faces further challenges in maintaining a strong rotation.