Red Sox receive bad news on Garrett Whitlock’s right elbow, the remainder of the 2024 season in question
Red Sox skipper Alex Cora revealed bad news to the media following the club’s 5-0 win over the Rays on Monday night.
Cora said that right-handed pitcher Garrett Whitlock’s latest tests revealed he has ligament damage and will likely undergo surgery in the coming days.
Whitlock will fly to see renowned orthopedist Dr. Jeffrey Dugas in Alabama to confirm the diagnosis.
“There’s damage in the ligament, so there’s a possibility he’s going to get surgery,” manager Alex Cora said. “He’ll fly to see the doctor this week, and they’ll go from there.”
It appears Whitlock is staring down the barrel of another Tommy John surgery. He had UCL reconstruction surgery back in 2019 while in the Yankees minor league system. If he does indeed have Tommy John surgery, it will end his 2024 season and a good chunk of 2025.
Whitlock had been on the injured list since April 17 with a left oblique strain and just recently tossed 4 2/3 scoreless frames in a rehab start for the WooSox. The righty said he felt discomfort in his elbow following the outing, and the team ordered tests, including an MRI.
The 27-year-old started off the year strong, posting a 1-0 record with a 1.96 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 18 1/3 innings (four starts).
“We’ve been through this path before,” Cora said. “I know it sounds harsh, but we’ve got to turn the page and got to go. It sucks for the kid. He has been through a lot, but he has been through worse in the last 12 months. He’s a kid that has faith. We talked about this before. He’s only looking up. He’s a believer; we’ve been praying for him and trying to stay strong for him, and he will be strong.”
With Whitlock down, Cooper Criswell will remain in the Red Sox rotation, and potential reinforcements will likely come internally. Bryan Mata will be eligible to come off the IL in June and could offer help in a bulk innings role.
“On a team level, incredibly sad for him,” Red Sox starter Tanner Houck said after the game to reporters. “He’s a strong individual, and I know he’ll get through it. On a personal level, keep him in my prayers and be with him as much as I can over the next few months. He’ll be back, and he’ll be stronger than ever.
“He’ll be missed, but I’m sure he’ll be around and calling, FaceTiming. Hopefully, he’ll be hanging around Boston.”
