Garrett Whitlock

September 8, 2026

Secures third save of season

Whitlock struck out two in a perfect ninth inning to earn the save in Monday's 5-2 win over the Angels.

Analysis

Whitlock was called upon with Boston holding a three-run lead in the top of the ninth and made quick work of the bottom of the Angels' lineup. He tossed nine of his 15 pitches for strikes and retired all three batters he faced en route to earning his third save of the season. Despite the save, Whitlock should continue as the Red Sox's preferred setup option behind star closer Aroldis Chapman, who wasn't available Monday after pitching three times in the previous four days. Whitlock lowered his ERA to 1.88 with Monday's excellent outing and has held the opposition scoreless in eight of his last nine relief appearances dating back to Aug. 15.