Red Sox pitcher Garrett Whitlock spent the final month of the 2026 season pitching through a broken leg without knowing the full extent of his injury.
The 30-year-old right-hander was diagnosed with a fractured right tibia after Boston’s elimination from the postseason at the hands of the Yankees, according to the Boston Globe.
Whitlock had been dealing with leg discomfort throughout September but continued pitching during the Red Sox’s playoff push, leading to their American League wild-card series appearance against the Yankees.
Further evaluation following Boston’s postseason exit revealed the fracture, which had not previously been diagnosed.
Despite the injury, Whitlock put together an impressive final month of the regular season.
He made eight appearances in September, allowing zero earned runs across 7 ⅓ innings while recording nine strikeouts and two walks.
Whitlock also allowed just six hits during that stretch, helping Boston secure a postseason berth.
Unfortunately, Whitlock was ineffective in the playoffs, allowing three earned runs in just 1 ⅓ innings, finishing the postseason with a 20.25 ERA.
The Red Sox were aware of his discomfort and reportedly worked with Whitlock to manage the pain, although the fracture itself remained undetected.
Fortunately for Whitlock, the fracture is not expected to require surgery, according to the Globe.
He will reportedly spend four to six weeks in a walking boot while the injury heals, with the expectation that he will be healthy enough to participate in spring training next year, assuming the season starts on time amid rumors of a potential lockout.
Whitlock finished the regular season with a career-best 1.72 ERA across 54 appearances, striking out 59 batters and walking just nine over 52 ⅓ innings.
He also recorded a career-high 26 holds while serving as one of Boston’s primary setup options ahead of closer Aroldis Chapman.
The injury adds to a season in which Whitlock already spent time on the injured list with a left knee injury and later elbow inflammation.
Whitlock remains under team control with club options for the 2027 and 2028 seasons.
