Red Sox pitcher Garrett Whitlock spent the last month of the 2026 season pitching through a damaged leg with out realizing the full extent of his harm.
The 30-year-old right-hander was recognized with a fractured proper tibia after Boston’s elimination from the postseason at the palms of the Yankees, according to the Boston Globe.
Whitlock had been dealing with leg discomfort all through September but continued pitching during the Red Sox’s playoff push, main to their American League wild-card collection look against the Yankees.
Further analysis following Boston’s postseason exit revealed the fracture, which had not beforehand been recognized.
Garrett Whitlock pitches during the ninth inning of a recreation against the Tampa Bay Rays on September 19, 2026, at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. Getty Images
Despite the harm, Whitlock put collectively an spectacular last month of the common season.
He made eight appearances in September, permitting zero earned runs across 7 ⅓ innings while recording 9 strikeouts and two walks.
Whitlock also allowed just six hits during that stretch, serving to Boston safe a postseason berth.
Unfortunately, Whitlock was ineffective in the playoffs, permitting three earned runs in just 1 ⅓ innings, ending the postseason with a 20.25 ERA.
Garrett Whitlock pitches during the eighth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on August 29, 2026, in New York City. Getty Images
The Red Sox were conscious of his discomfort and reportedly labored with Whitlock to handle the ache, although the fracture itself remained undetected.
Fortunately for Whitlock, the fracture is not expected to require surgical procedure, according to the Globe.
He will reportedly spend 4 to six weeks in a strolling boot while the harm heals, with the expectation that he will be wholesome enough to take part in spring coaching next yr, assuming the season begins on time amid rumors of a potential lockout.
Whitlock completed the common season with a career-best 1.72 ERA across 54 appearances, putting out 59 batters and strolling just 9 over 52 ⅓ innings.
He also recorded a career-high 26 holds while serving as one of Boston’s main setup choices forward of nearer Aroldis Chapman.
The harm provides to a season in which Whitlock already hung out on the injured record with a left knee harm and later elbow irritation.
Whitlock stays under team management with club choices for the 2027 and 2028 seasons.
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