Full Breakdown
Garrett Whitlock’s Elbow Inflammation Sends Red Sox Reliever to Injured List Amid Five-Game Slide
8/13/2026, 9:41:40 PM
Core Event: Whitlock Placed on 15-Day Injured List
Boston placed right-hander Garrett Whitlock on the 15-day injured list (IL) for elbow inflammation. The move was announced after Whitlock reported discomfort while warming up in the bullpen on Tuesday. Relief pitcher Greg Weissert was recalled from Triple-A Worcester to fill the roster spot.
Background & Context: Whitlock’s Role and Recent Performance
Whitlock, 22, has been a cornerstone of Boston’s bullpen this season, appearing in 45 games and logging 44 innings with a 2.05 ERA. He posted a 0.73 ERA over 12.1 innings during the July surge that helped the Red Sox secure a top Wild-Card position.
Data & Statistics
- Games pitched: 45
- Innings: 44
- Season ERA: 2.05
- July stretch: 0.73 ERA in 12.1 innings, 10 strikeouts
- Last appearance: August 9, 2026, versus the Athletics, where he surrendered a run, his first blown save since July 24, 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
Interim manager Chad Tracy confirmed the inflammation had been “building” over recent weeks and that the team would monitor Whitlock’s condition before deciding on a longer IL stay. He indicated a health check was scheduled for Thursday, August 13, 2026, prior to the series finale against Toronto.
Garrett Whitlock said the sensation was a gradual increase in discomfort and that he does not believe the issue is structural.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was kinda gradually getting that way and it’s getting to a pretty good point (of discomfort),” — Garrett Whitlock
- “We’re pretty battle-tested at this point,” — Chad Tracy
Impact on the Red Sox Pitching Staff
Whitlock’s unavailability forced manager Tracy to rely on rookie right-hander Tyron Guerrero in the eighth inning of the Wednesday loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Guerrero failed to record an out, and the Blue Jays scored five runs to secure a 6-4 defeat, extending Boston’s losing streak to five games.
The bullpen, previously lauded as the league’s best, now faces additional strain. Aroldis Chapman has allowed runs in consecutive outings, and the team’s setup options are limited to Erik Miller, Justin Slaten and the recalled Weissert.
What’s Next
Boston will conclude the three-game series against Toronto on Thursday, August 13, 2026, then begin a four-game road trip against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Tracy indicated the club will “see how he responds” on Thursday and decide whether Whitlock will remain on the IL. The bullpen’s health will be a critical factor as the team seeks to halt the slide and regain momentum.
