Garrett

Whitlock

There had been some rumblings that the Red Sox could be working on a long-term extension with the 30-year-old right-hander, but there were never any doubts that he would return to be a major part of the Red Sox’ bullpen in 2027. Whitlock was outstanding over 54 appearances in 2026, registering a 1.72 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and a 59/9 K/BB ratio over 52 1/3 innings while notching seven victories and four saves.

Given the severity of the injury, it’s awfully impressive that Whitlock was able to continue pitching — and pitch as well as he was — down the stretch and into the postseason for the Red Sox. The 30-year-old hurler isn’t expected to require surgery, but he will be in a walking boot for the next 4-6 weeks while the injury heals. Whitlock should still be able to go through his regular off-season routine and should be a full participant at the start of spring training.

It sounds like Chapman is getting close to being available again after missing time with lat tightness that cropped up last Thursday. The 38-year-old southpaw’s unbelievable late-career renaissance has resulted in back-to-back 30-save campaigns for the Red Sox. It’ll likely be Erik Miller or Garrett Whitlock handling a potential save chance during Tuesday’s series opener against the Guardians.

Chapman hadn’t pitched in four days and wasn’t previously reported as injured, so it was pretty stunning to see him not out there against the Rangers. Still, Garrett Whitlock successfully closed in his place. Chapman is listed as day-to-day for now.

Whitlock got Brandon Nimmo on a ground ball to first base to start the inning, then made things a bit more interesting as he issued a one-out walk to Wyatt Langford. He escaped trouble right away though, getting Jake Burger to ground into a game-ending double play. Whitlock has been excellent for the Red Sox this season, registering a 1.78 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and a 58/8 K/BB ratio over 50 2/3 innings, tallying seven wins and four saves in the process.

Whitlock struck out two. He’s faced the minimum over three innings in his three appearances since coming off the IL, and he has a 1.88 ERA in 48 innings on the season.

Whitlock returns to Boston’s high-leverage mix for Saturday’s critical doubleheader against the division-rival Yankees. The 30-year-old setup specialist wound up requiring just a minimum stay on the injured list with elbow inflammation. He’s forged a sparkling 2.05 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 49/7 K/BB ratio across 44 innings of work this season.

Whitlock would end up missing just the minimum 15-day stint if he does receive that activation. The 30-year-old will be a high-leverage option whether he returns to the Red Sox on Saturday or a day or two later.

There’s a belief among the Red Sox, and Whitlock himself, that he’ll be ready to return when first eligible next week. That seems a tad optimistic, but the 30-year-old setup specialist won’t need too much time to ramp up after an MRI didn’t reveal any structural issues in his elbow earlier this week.

It’s an extremely encouraging development after Whitlock required a trip to the injured list last week with elbow inflammation. The 30-year-old setup specialist has made a staggering 20 appearances since June 25, which is probably why he’s dealing with elbow issues. It sounds like there’s optimism he’ll make it back before the end of the regular season.