Garrett Whitlock

A strong spring earned Whitlock a spot in the Red Sox opening day rotation. He made four starts, leaving the last with an oblique injury. While on rehab, he experienced soreness in his right elbow and was soon diagnosed with an injured right UCL. Whitlock avoided Tommy Jogn surgery, instead undergoing the internal brace procedure which entails a still lengthy, but shorter rehab than Tommy John. He began throwing in the fall but may not be ready for opening day. His role is up in the air and may depend on the constitution of the Red Sox staff at the time. The club is likely to choose a path in the spring. It could take longer to stretch out for a starting role. Whitlock has demonstrated the ability to be effective in any role, though there's always uncertainty returning from major surgery. His role and effectiveness are unclear, but he's worth a speculative pick, especially in leagues with a fantasy IL, or the ability to cut bait if needed. Read Past Outlooks