Garrett Whitlock took a key step ahead on Saturday, dealing with hitters in a multi-inning dwell batting observe.
“I think it was good,” Alex Cora stated. “(Velocity) was up, the shape of the pitches were good.”
This is the second injured checklist stint of the 12 months for the 27-year-old right-handler, who final pitched on July 10. As he prepares to start a rehab project, The group’s resolve to maintain him within the rotation appears to be softening.
Whitlock was a member of the Boston bullpen for his whole stellar rookie season in 2021, when he completed the season with a 1.96 ERA throughout 46 appearances, together with 11 video games completed and a pair of saves. Over 73 1/3 innings, he struck out 81 batters, issued 17 walks, and solely gave up 16 earned runs.
Last season, the Red Sox tried to transition Whitlock into the rotation, as he’d labored his approach up the minor leagues as a beginning pitcher. They moved him from the bullpen in late April, then returned him to the bullpen in July. Hip surgical procedure ended his season in mid-September.
This 12 months, the Red Sox introduced that Whitlock would start the season within the beginning rotation. They remained agency on that by his first stint on the injured checklist, however now look like pivoting. He owns a 5.23 ERA throughout 10 begins totaling 51 2/3 innings, however after spending a lot of the season within the beginning rotation, his supervisor says there’s a “good chance” he’ll transfer to the bullpen when he returns.
In different injury-related information, Trevor Story (UCL) will function the designated hitter on Saturday and play shortstop on Sunday for Triple-A Worcester. “We’ll reassess the situation on Monday,” Cora stated.
While Story initially pointed to Friday as his return date, he determined that he wished a little bit extra time within the minors. His rehab project expires on Wednesday.
Tanner Houck (facial fracture) will pitch for Worcester on Saturday, with Chris Sale (shoulder) beginning the Sunday sequence finale in Syracuse. The latter is anticipated to pitch 4 innings in his second rehab recreation.
Nothing’s new with Corey Kluber, who’s been on the IL since June 21 with proper shoulder irritation.
Record-setting Rafaela
Ceddanne Rafaela continues to dominate in Triple-A. On Friday evening, Boston’s No. 2 prospect set a WooSox file by homering in his fourth consecutive recreation.
Since his promotion to Triple-A, Rafaela has hit 10 homers in 29 video games, however within the eyes of WooSox supervisor Chad Tracy and Alex Cora, the ability surge isn’t even the very best a part of the burgeoning star’s growth.
“The one thing that we always want to see from him, regardless of the numbers, is controlling the strike zone,” Cora stated on Saturday afternoon. “He’s very unique in what he does, because he chases pitches, but he’s hitting.”
Patience on the plate continues to be a piece in progress for Rafaela, however he’s made strides not too long ago. After solely drawing one stroll over his first 13 video games of July, he’s drawn six in 13 video games since, together with a really affected person recreation earlier this week.
“The other day, I think he hit a homer and walked four times,” Cora stated. “That’s a great game for me.”
“I actually spoke to Chad today,” the Red Sox supervisor added. “He’s very pleased with the way Rafaela is playing. The effort, obviously the defense, and the at-bats are getting better.”
Given his breakout efficiency in Double-A final 12 months and this 12 months being his first time at main league spring coaching, many anticipated the Red Sox to advertise Rafaela to Triple-A initially of the season. Plate self-discipline was one of many major causes they opted to carry off, with sources telling the Herald that the group wished their prime outfield prospect to have the ability to make sure changes, comparable to plate self-discipline, in Double-A, somewhat than doing so whereas additionally adjusting to a brand new degree of play.
So lengthy, farewell (once more)
After being designated for project earlier within the week, Jorge Alfaro formally elected free company on Saturday, bringing an finish to his second Red Sox stint of the season.
Down on the farm
Double-A Portland positioned Marcelo Mayer on the 7-day injured checklist on Saturday with shoulder irritation. Over his final 10 video games, the Red Sox No. 1 prospect hasn’t regarded like himself. He hit .146 with a .466 OPS, solely accumulating six hits, one RBI, and three walks, with 18 strikeouts over that span.
In the second recreation of his skilled profession, Boston’s first-round choose Kyle Teel went 3-for-3 with a stroll, his first house run, and a pair of RBI for the rookie-level Florida Complex League Red Sox.
Source: www.bostonherald.com