The Boston Red Sox had to put Garrett Whitlock on the 15-day injured list on Wednesday due to an oblique strain, adding to their problems with injuries in the rotation.
Whitlock hurt his left oblique during Tuesday’s game against Cleveland, where he had to leave after pitching four innings and allowing two runs on three hits.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora described it as a “slight strain” and hopes Whitlock can return soon, but they need to be cautious. To fill Whitlock’s spot on the team, the Red Sox brought up left-handed reliever Joe Jacques from Triple-A Worcester.
Whitlock, who’s 27 years old, has had a good start to the season with a 1-0 record and a 1.96 ERA in four starts. He’s struck out 17 batters and walked seven in 18 1/3 innings.
Whitlock joined the Red Sox in 2021 after being picked up from the New York Yankees. Since then, he’s had a record of 18-11 with a 3.39 ERA and nine saves in both starting and relief roles.
The Red Sox were already dealing with injuries to other pitchers like Nick Pivetta, who’s also on the 15-day IL with a right elbow flexor strain, and Lucas Giolito, who underwent elbow surgery in March and is expected to miss the whole season.
Jacques, who’s 29, struggled a bit in Worcester this season, giving up seven runs in four innings over four games. He made his MLB debut for the Red Sox last year, posting a 2-1 record with a 5.06 ERA and one save in 23 appearances.
