Garrett Whitlock: ‘I’ll be the janitor on this team if it means I get to stay in the big leagues’
Whitlock and Rich Hill are vying for the No. 5 spot in the Red Sox rotation
Garrett Whitlock will likely be in the Red Sox bullpen when the club breaks camp and heads to New York. The former Yankees prospect had an impressive year with the Red Sox for his rookie season in 2021. Whitlock will look to build upon his freshman season and will do anything to remain in the big league, including being the team janitor.
In an interview with MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, Whitlock was asked if he has a preference on what his role is this coming season.
“They both have their benefits,” Whitlock said. “The routine of starting is really nice, but at the same time, being able to have that workhorse mentality of a reliever is also something I really love, too. I do whatever they tell me to do. ... I’ll be the janitor on this team if it means I get to stay in the big leagues.”
Whitlock won’t be cleaning toilets anytime soon especially after his impressive rookie campaign. The 25-year-old made 46 appearances while posting a 1.96 ERA in 73.1 innings pitched.
Manager Alex Cora was asked on Wednesday who the team’s closer would be to start the season and he responded with “You’ll see on April 7.”
Boston will likely utilize Whitlock out of the bullpen to begin the season and Cora said he’ll be available Opening Day. Cotillo reported that both Rich Hill and Whitlock are still vying for the last spot in the Red Sox rotation. It’s hard to image that Whitlock will not be used out of the bullpen to begin the season based off his success in 2021.
Whitlock provides Cora the ability to go from his starter to Whitlock, who could then pitch a few innings in a bulk role and bridge it to the eventually closer.
While Cora is not publicly naming a closer ahead of Opening Day, Matt Barnes had made strides this spring to retake the role.
“I’m focused on going out there and throwing the ball well every time out, or in my mind feeling like I threw the ball well every time,” Barnes said. … “That’s number one and the other one is obviously stay healthy. So I feel like if I go out there and in my mind, I throw the ball well every time and I stay healthy, I think the rest will take care of itself.”
Fans will have to wait another week to see what Cora will do to finalize his pitching staff. One thing is for certain, Whitlock will not be breaking camp as the club’s janitor. Instead, he’ll be building upon his successful rookie season.
Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisHenrique
For additional Red Sox and Major League Baseball content, follow Beyond the Monster: Boston Red Sox on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr.
Follow our newest Twitter handle, @SoxDingrs for Red Sox and Major League Baseball home runs. Check out our @SoxSpects for coverage and content on Red Sox and MLB prospects.