Red Sox starter Garrett Whitlock may not be ready for Opening Day
Whitlock is still rehabbing from right hip surgery he had in September
The Red Sox maybe without one of their starting pitchers to begin the 2023 season. On Monday, manager Alex Cora told reporters that Garrett Whitlock may not be ready for Opening Day.
Whitlock underwent surgery on his right hip back in September. The 26-year-old dealt with hip issues last season, including needing a stint on the injured list from June 10-July 15, with right hip inflammation. He was last shutdown for the rest of the season on Sept. 21 with a right hip impingement.
“His next bullpen is up and down again. He’s throwing the ball well, he’s moving well. Not yet doing PFPs. We’re not concerned. We’ve got a plan,” Cora told reporters at JetBlue Park.
“We’ll see where we’re at in the upcoming weeks. If he’s ready for Opening Day, he’s ready. But if he’s not, he’s not going to lose too much time. If he’s not there [for Opening Day], it’s not because he’s hurt or whatever. It’s just the progression of where we’re at, especially moving around.”
The Red Sox have remained steadfast that Whitlock will be in the rotation this season. The right-hander made nine starts in 2022. He’s been primarily used out of the bullpen over the course of his first two years in the majors.
Boston will begin the regular season on March 30, when they host the Orioles at Fenway Park.
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