MLB
Boston Red Sox’s starting pitcher rotation for the 2024 MLB season
Garrett Whitlock and Tanner Houck will join Brayan Bello, Nick Pivetta and Kutter Crawford in Boston’s rotation next season.
The Boston Red Sox have designated their starting pitcher for the MLB Opening Day of 2024 against the Seattle Mariners by choosing Dominican Brayan Bello. He will be the second Dominican to hold this honour, following in the footsteps of Pedro Martínez (1998-2004).
Due to Lucas Giolito’s injury, which will sideline him for the entire season, Alex Cora selected Nick Pivetta and Kutter Crawford to continue the pitching duties as the second and third starters. The last two spots in the rotation were not finalised, but the manager made a decision by selecting Garrett Whitlock and Tanner Houck as Boston’s final two starters.
Whitlock began his Major League career as a closer in 2021, but over the years, he has gained prominence as a starter. Last year, he made 22 appearances on the mound, with 10 of them being starts. His earned run average (ERA) stood at 5.15 after allowing 41 runs across 71.2 innings pitched.
On the other hand, Houck boasts four years of experience in the Major Leagues, with his role evolving similarly to Whitlock’s. Of the 74 games he has played, 41 have been as a starter, 17 as a reliever, and 16 as a closer. Last year, he made 21 starts and pitched for 106 complete innings, during which he recorded an ERA of 5.01.
What other pitchers were competing to be Red Sox starters?
Another option considered by the Red Sox during Spring Training was Cooper Criswell.
However, the right-handed pitcher will be in the Minor Leagues with the possibility of being called up to the Majors. During Spring Training, the 27-year-old pitcher made six appearances, four as a starter, pitched 18.1 innings, allowed six runs, and struck out 17 of the 74 batters he faced.