Back to the Boston Red Sox Newsfeed

Garrett Whitlock explained how using a third pitch more often has helped him stay a step ahead

For Red Sox relief pitcher Garrett Whitlock, the 2021 season has already been a roller-coaster ride.

After not allowing a run in the first month of his Major League career, Whitlock, 25, experienced comparative struggles in May (with a 4.03 ERA as batters hit .318 against him).

Flash forward to June, and Whitlock is back to dominating, posting a 0.66 ERA in the month so far.

Granted, ups and downs are a built-in feature of a 162-game season, but in Whitlock’s case, there’s an added dimension that helps to explain his readjustment to hitters’ earlier adjustment.