Throughout the 2026 World Baseball Classic, the Boston Red Sox have been the talk of the town. Why is that the case? Because pretty much every player on their team who has participated in the tournament has been dominant. That was on full display again on Sunday night, as Team USA booked its spot in the final game of the action with a 2-1 victory over the Dominican Republic.
Roman Anthony will obviously draw the most attention after he hit a solo home run in the fourth inning that ended up being the play that won the Americans the game. After the game, though, Team USA manager Mark DeRosa made sure to shout out Garrett Whitlock after he provided a strong outing himself out of the bullpen.
Mark DeRosa Gushes Over Garrett Whitlock: ‘Absolutely Nasty’
Whitlock may not exactly be a household name, but across the majors, he is feared by hitters everywhere. One of the most effective setup men in the majors, Whitlock turned in another dominant campaign for the Red Sox in 2025, as he posted a 7-3 record with a 2.25 ERA, one save, and 91 strikeouts in 72 innings of work out of the bullpen.
If the World Baseball Classic is anything to go by, Whitlock appears to be ready to go for the 2026 campaign. He’s given up just one hit over three innings of work during the tournament, while also picking up a save along the way. His work against the Dominican Republic, though, very well may have been his best of the tournament.
Facing Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Manny Machado in the eighth inning of a one-run game, Whitlock effortlessly sent them back to the dugout in order, helping the Americans eventually come out on top. In the wake of this win, DeRosa made sure to give Whitlock his due praise, and he only needed two words to do so.
“Absolutely nasty,” DeRosa said of Whitlock’s performance after the game.
Garrett Whitlock Looking to Help Team USA Win One More Game
GettyRed Sox relief pitcher Garrett Whitlock earned high praise from Team USA manager Mark DeRosa after their victory over the Dominican Republic
Whitlock’s career briefly went off the rails in 2023 and 2024, but a move back to the bullpen in 2025 helped him find his way again. His success in that role caught the attention of Team USA, and sure enough, he’s played a big role at the backend of the bullpen throughout the Americans’ run in the tournament. Now, Team USA is just one win away from being crowned the winner of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
The Americans will be anxiously watching Italy and Venezuela square off on Monday night, as they will face the winner of this game in the final. With a couple of days of rest under his belt, Whitlock should be good to go if DeRosa calls upon him in the final. And given how good he’s been so far, if there’s a lead for Team USA to protect, you can expect to see Whitlock taking the mound as he attempts to help lead his country to victory.
Mark DeRosa Delivers 2-Word Description of Red Sox Pitcher After WBC Win