The ability to shorten games with a bullpen is critical in baseball. The New York Yankees did it for years with Mariano Rivera, and now the Boston Red Sox are doing it with their own shutdown unit.
Aroldis Chapman has been virtually unhittable this year, turning in the best season of his career. In 56 appearances this year, he’s 4-2 with a 1.06 ERA, a 0.69 WHIP, 3.0 WAR and 25 saves in 27 opportunities.
His setup man, Garrett Whitlock, has been nearly as dominant. In 52 appearances, Whitlock’s 5-3 with a 2.67 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP and a career-best 11.0 K/9.
The duo has been even better lately, helping the Red Sox win critical games in their push for the playoffs.
Chapman’s gone 13 straight appearances without allowing a hit (a franchise record) and has yielded just one earned run over his last 33 appearances. Whitlock’s enjoying a similar run, allowing only one earned run over his last 21 appearances.
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They’ve been automatic over the last two months, essentially shortening games by two innings and making Alex Cora’s life much easier in the late innings.
They’ve gotten some help from Steven Matz, too, who’s provided a nice boost since coming over from the St. Louis Cardinals at the MLB Trade Deadline. The veteran lefty has allowed just one run in his first nine appearances with Boston, posting a 0.87 ERA and a 0.68 WHIP with his new team while giving Cora another late-game weapon at his disposal.
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Thanks to this dominant trio, the Red Sox have one of their best and deepest bullpens in years. It’s a big reason why they currently control the top wild card spot in the American League, and it should serve them well during high-leverage situations in October if they reach the postseason.
Featured image via Jordan Johnson/Imagn Images
