Pitching Change: Red Sox send Kluber to the bullpen for Whitlock

Corey Kluber, made his way to the bullpen to make way for Garret Whitlock. The Red Sox’s old fifth string in the starting pitching rotation, will go to the pen so Whitlock can return from injury to the starting rotation. The Red Sox’s release of Ryan Brasier last week allows for Kluber to make his way into the bullpen.

This is the second change to the starting rotation in the past couple weeks, as Nick Pivetta was sent to the bullpen to make room for James Paxton. Paxton’s return from injury happened around the same time as Whitlock’s injury, so the decision to change was inevitable.

Kluber’s ERA has been high for the season, around 6.33, and his command of the ball has lost its touch, with batters easily getting hits off of him. However, Whitlock’s pitching shows that he deserves the starting spot. Before his injury, Whitlock’s ERA of 3.07 makes him one of the better pitchers the Red Sox have.

With this change, the Red Sox’s new starting rotation will be hard to beat. The order now starts with Chris Sale as the ace, and Paxton follows him as the second. Whitlock returns as the number three, and Brayan Bello and Tanner Houck follow him.

This change could benefit Kluber, as the 37-year-old pitcher rides out the rest of his career. Not having to focus for five innings could make it easier for him to pitch well. However, with various injuries in the bullpen waiting to make their return, and Kluber less than acceptable season, he is on thin ice. If Kluber does not work well in the bullpen either, his future is uncertain.

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