Before this year, Garrett Whitlock knew only one life, that as a starter.
That's what he was in college, and also for 38 of his 42 minor-league appearances as a professional.
Now, his lot in life has changed. And while it might seem like the adjustment to becoming a reliever has been seamless, Whitlock pointed out MLB Network Radio Thursday that -- like a lot of things for him in 2021 -- there has been a learning curve.
"It’s definitely a little different," the rookie pitcher said. "I’m very fortunate. I have great veterans around me. I’ve got Matt Barnes, Adam Ottavino and Matt Andriese to help me a ton. Knowing when to warm up. Knowing when to get hot quick or maybe take it a little slower. Those guys have been amazing introducing me to the bullpen life and everything. Mentality-wise, my college pitching coach told me this, and it’s been the best baseball advice I’ve ever had, it’s, ‘When they give you the ball go out there and get outs until they take the ball from you.’ So that’s kind of the way I go about thinking in each outing."
The answer lines up with the approach he revealed at the end of spring training in an interview with WEEI.com. "My Dad always told me, 'Son, God gave you two ears and one mouth. Shut up and listen.' That's the way I've gone about it here," he said.
While Red Sox manager Alex Cora has confirmed that the organization most likely views Whitlock as a starter after this season, for this season he will remain in the bullpen.
The righty has become a legitimate weapon for Cora, having pitched a total of nine innings in four appearances, striking out 11 without giving up a run or a walk.
"He’s not a long guy but he’s a multiple inning guy, just like Matt Andriese … This is a guy we trust," said Cora on OMF Wednesday regarding the Rule 5 Draft pick. "We just have to make sure we have somebody to go multiple innings ready on a daily basis. … This kid is good. He’s really good."