Garrett Whitlock’s Sliding Catch Deemed a Joke by Red Sox Players – Hot

HOUSTON — Red Sox pitcher Garrett Whitlock got his uniform dirty during the seventh inning with a sliding catch on the warning track behind home plate. The righty hustled into foul territory to snag Alex Bregman’s pop foul near the on-deck circle on the first base side with runners at first and second base and one out.

“The Whitlock play, they (his teammates) are joking with him because supposedly it doesn’t count,” manager Alex Cora said.

Whitlock provided a web gem in the Red Sox’s 7-5 10-inning win over the Astros at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday. It was a huge second out, although Whitlock wasn’t credited with the putout. Batter interference was called on Bregman because he got in catcher Connor Wong’s way.

“So all that effort for nothing,” Cora joked.

Cora was asked if he’s seen anything like it before from a big league pitcher.

“Oliver Pérez. Remember? The lefty. He always gave you the effort,” Cora said. “But that was impressive. That was impressive. Had the presence of mind to slide, getting there to the fans. That was good effort. That was awesome.”

Whitlock went on to strike out Kyle Tucker on a 2-2 slider to end the inning. He tossed 2 scoreless innings of relief, allowing two hits and one walk while striking out one.

“He was impressive, too, on the mound. He did a good job,” Cora said.

Red Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale described Whitlock’s catch as “very, very impressive.”

“And I would like to see a better play than that through the year just given the circumstances,” Sale said. “When it’s Nov. 10 and they’re going through the 100 best plays, I’d like to see the rivals to that one, for sure.”