5 biggest mistakes that doomed the Red Sox in 2022 and why

Red Sox lose veteran arms

Numerous injuries kept Chris Sale on the shelf for the Red Sox, but disaster struck just as it seemed the Red Sox were finally getting ready to have him return to the rotation. Sale reportedly hurt his wrist while on a downhill bike ride. The injury required surgery which knocked him out for returning to the Red Sox in 2022.

He is expected to be ready for Spring Training 2023.

James Paxton was lost to injury before the 2022 season even began for the Red Sox. He pitched a rehab start in August after recovering from Tommy John Surgery in 2021. He left the start early as he reportedly suffered a Grade 2 tear in his lat. He had to shut down and hopes to return in 2023.

Red Sox lose young arms

Garrett Whitlock went on the injured list on Sept. 19 after having arthroscopic hip surgery due to right hip impingement. Whitlock suffered the hip injury in June, and it never improved for the young arm, resulting in the need for surgery.

Whitlock signed an extension worth $18.75 million, starting in 2023 through 2026. There will be a team option available for 2027-28. Whitlock started nine of the 31 games he appeared in in 2022. He was 4-2 with an ERA of 3.45. He pitched 78.1 innings and had six saves on the season. He threw 82 strikeouts.

This is certainly something to build on, as the Red Sox see him as a piece of their future.

Tanner Houck was placed on the injured list on Sept. 3 as he needed surgery to repair a disc-related issue in his back. He’s expected to be ready for Spring Training 2023.

Houck started four of the 32 games he appeared in in 2022. He was 5-4 with a 3.15 ERA and eight saves in 60 innings. The fiery personality threw 56 strikeouts on the season.