Garrett Whitlock on season debut for the WooSox: ‘I’m just trying to work on everything and continue to sharpen the tools’
The WooSox held their 2023 home opener on Friday from Polar Park. With rain in the forecast, over 7,000 fans filled the ballpark to kick off the season. Red Sox right-hander Garrett Whitlock made his season debut in a rehab start against the Syracuse Mets.
Whitlock went four innings surrendering six hits, one run, issuing one walk while striking out six batters. He threw 75 pitches, 50 of them for strikes.
The 26-year-old righty is recovering from hip surgery he had in September. His start on Friday was a step in the right direction on joining the Red Sox again real soon. Whitlock told reporters he felt good following the start and has not had any setbacks.
“I’m just trying to work on everything and continue to sharpen the tools and everything to get ready to go,” said Whitlock.
Whitlock came out firing in the first inning throwing 94 mph. He topped out at 95 mph at one point, but as the game went on, his velocity ticked down.
While Whitlock is still working to get into shape to be effective every fifth day, his secondary pitches were elite in his start. He was able to get the Mets hitters to offer swings-and-misses on his sinker and changeup.
“The backdoor slider was working really well. It’s just a matter of trying to get it glove side to righties or if I’m trying to back-foot it,” said Whitlock.
The Georgia native said that he will return to the Red Sox in Boston on Saturday. He’s expected to meet with the team and go over next steps. Whitlock is expected to make one more rehab start, it’s unclear if it’ll be with Worcester or Portland.
“Only time will tell that. But stuff felt good today,” he said “I’m building volume, trying to sharpen the tools. My spring training just started a little bit later than everyone else’s. Just treating this as another spring training outing and keep going.
“I’ve been rebounding really well,” he added. “It’s just a matter of the medical staff telling me where to go next.”
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