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The 2026 MLB season has been filled with frustration for the Boston Red Sox, and the club received another piece of discouraging news this week. As the team continues to search for answers during a disappointing campaign, one of its most reliable bullpen arms is now headed to the injured list. Right-hander Garrett Whitlock is dealing with a knee issue, creating yet another challenge for a team that has struggled to find consistency all season.
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Apr 26, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Whitlock (22) throws during the eighth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
The timing of the injury could not be much worse for the Red Sox. Whitlock has quietly been one of Boston’s most dependable high-leverage relievers over the last two seasons. He recorded 24 holds and a save during the 2025 campaign and had already added nine more holds this season before the injury.
His overall production has been outstanding. Across the 2025 and 2026 seasons combined, Whitlock has thrown 91 2/3 innings while posting a stellar 2.45 ERA. Losing that kind of production is difficult for any team, especially one already facing an uphill battle in the standings.
What makes the situation even more frustrating is how the injury occurred. During Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Twins, Whitlock slipped on a wet mound while pitching in rainy conditions. The awkward incident resulted in knee soreness that initially appeared minor.
Rather than immediately placing him on the injured list, the Red Sox spent several days monitoring the injury before ultimately deciding that a roster move was necessary.
May 4, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA. Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Whitlock (22) pitches in the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
The good news for Boston is that the injury does not currently appear to be a long-term concern.
Because Whitlock has not pitched since Sunday, the Red Sox were able to backdate his injured list placement by the maximum three days. If the soreness improves quickly and no additional issues arise, he could potentially return in less than two weeks.
For a team desperate for positive news, that timeline would certainly be welcome.
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MORE: MLB set to propose salary cap in new CBA negotiations & it could be a disaster
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Apr 26, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Whitlock (22) throws during the eighth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Whitlock Has Been One of Boston’s Best Relievers
The timing of the injury could not be much worse for the Red Sox. Whitlock has quietly been one of Boston’s most dependable high-leverage relievers over the last two seasons. He recorded 24 holds and a save during the 2025 campaign and had already added nine more holds this season before the injury.
His overall production has been outstanding. Across the 2025 and 2026 seasons combined, Whitlock has thrown 91 2/3 innings while posting a stellar 2.45 ERA. Losing that kind of production is difficult for any team, especially one already facing an uphill battle in the standings.
An Unfortunate Way to Get Hurt
What makes the situation even more frustrating is how the injury occurred. During Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Twins, Whitlock slipped on a wet mound while pitching in rainy conditions. The awkward incident resulted in knee soreness that initially appeared minor.
Rather than immediately placing him on the injured list, the Red Sox spent several days monitoring the injury before ultimately deciding that a roster move was necessary.
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May 4, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA. Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Whitlock (22) pitches in the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Hope for a Quick Return
The good news for Boston is that the injury does not currently appear to be a long-term concern.
Because Whitlock has not pitched since Sunday, the Red Sox were able to backdate his injured list placement by the maximum three days. If the soreness improves quickly and no additional issues arise, he could potentially return in less than two weeks.
For a team desperate for positive news, that timeline would certainly be welcome.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
