What James Paxton's return means for Red Sox rotation

Who should go to the bullpen: Garrett Whitlock

One player who was supposed to start the year in the rotation, but really should have stayed where he was in 2022 -- in the bullpen -- is Garrett Whitlock. In fact, John Tomase of NBC Sports Boston called the move to put him in the rotation, the worst move of the season.

When looking at his numbers from last numbers from both 2022 and 2021, he was much more solid when he was coming out of the bullpen more consistently - or in 2021's case, exclusively out of the bullpen.

In 2022, he held a 4-2 record with a 3.45 ERA in 31 games - nine of them being starts. He also struck out 82, and walked just 15 all while collecting four holds, and five saves. 2021, however, was an evne more solid season for Whitlock. He went 8-4 with a 1.96 ERA over 46 games, where he struck out 81 and struck out 17.

It's clear where Whitlock belongs with the numbers mentioned above: the bullpen. Sure, he can be counted on in a pinch out of the rotation, but the Red Sox should look to keep him in the 'pen.