Red Sox Get New Garrett Whitlock Injury Update Before Crucial Yankees Series

The Boston Red Sox have received an updated injury report on their top right-handed relief pitcher, Garrett Whitlock, ahead of a crucial four-game series against the New York Yankees. The Red Sox, closing in on the Yankees in the wild-card standings, will face their rivals in the Bronx starting Friday, with home-field advantage in a potential best-of-three wild-card playoff series at stake.

Whitlock, who has been on the injured list with an arm issue since August 13, pitched live hitters in Miami on Wednesday, striking out both, Eli White and Caleb Durbin, according to MLB.com. The right-hander has been sidelined since August 10 due to right elbow inflammation. Interim manager Chad Tracy noted Whitlock looked and felt good during his session.

Whitlock himself expressed confidence in his readiness to return, stating he feels good and ready to be evaluated by the team. He downplayed any concerns about needing surgery, emphasizing it is not concerning. Whitlock has been a reliable reliever for Boston this season, posting a 6-1 record, 2.05 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts over 44 innings, with a 1.67 ERA in 24 career appearances against the Yankees.