Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow took to the mic on Monday with updates.
On Monday, Boston Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow presented injury reports for two key players for 2025: pitcher Garrett Whitlock and outfielder/DH Masataka Yoshida.
According to Mac Cerullo of The Boston Herald:
Injury updates:
– Patrick Sandoval expected back in second half
– Yoshida “making a ton of progress” and should be swinging in spring training
– Hendriks on track for normal spring training
– Giolito/Whitlock rehabbing, should pitch most if not all of 2025
Whitlock had season-ending elbow surgery after just four games in 2024 and might be a crucial bullpen piece in 2025.
While only theory, the Red Sox appear to have a full rotation as is. Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler, Brayan Bello, Tanner Houck, and Lucas Giolito appear to be in the top five if healthy. This leaves Whitlock and Kutter Crawford on the outside looking in. Whitlock thrived as a reliever when he originally joined the Red Sox, so if he returns, he’ll most likely help shore up their bullpen.
Whitlock, who is entering his fifth season with the organization, has a lifetime record of 18-11 with a 3.39 ERA. He has made 23 career starts out of 103 outings. In 2021, he debuted with a 1.96 ERA over 46 games. The Red Sox advanced to the ALCS that season.
Yoshida underwent shoulder surgery at the close of the season, adding to the difficulties the Japanese veteran faced. First and foremost, he only had 378 at-bats this season. Part of this is due to a long-term thumb ailment, and part of it is due to his falling out with the organization. This year, the team played him less against left-handed pitchers and nearly solely as a designated hitter, giving him fewer opportunities to play.
Despite those challenges, he hit .280 with 10 homers and 56 RBI. He still posted a solid .349 on-base percentage and has elite bat-to-ball skills.
He’s been rumored to be available in trade talks but the Red Sox haven’t found a suitor for the $54 million or so remaining on his contract.
