Whitlock allowed one hit and walked one while striking out two over three scoreless innings in a spring training start against the Twins on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

This was Whitlock's first Grapefruit League start and first start of any kind since July 2019 prior to undergoing Tommy John elbow surgery. Although used exclusively out of the bullpen last season, Whitlock's in the mix for the final rotation spot along with Rich Hill, who also pitched three innings Sunday. That starting spot will last as long as it takes Chris Sale (rib) to get over his injury. Sunday's outing marked the second time both pitchers have appeared in the same game this spring. Both hurlers will likely appear in the same game this Friday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. Boston manager Alex Cora has not revealed how he plans to utilize Whitlock, whose versatility in relief was key for the Red Sox. It's safe to say he'll be an high-leverage piece if relegated to the bullpen.

Whitlock allowed three hits and two walks over two scoreless innings in Tuesday's spring training game against the Rays.

EDGE Analysis

Whitlock followed game starter Rich Hill, who threw two scoreless innings himself, albeit with less base traffic than Whitlock. The two are ostensibly competing for the No. 5 starter job, but the Red Sox understand what Whitlock meant to them last season as a bullpen workhorse. He came up through the Yankees' system as a starter but underwent Tommy John surgery several years ago, and Boston may have found an ideal spot for him as a multi-inning reliever who could also potentially fill a closer role.

Whitlock is getting stretched out this spring, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Alex Cora wouldn't say if Whitlock or Tanner Houck would be in the Opening Day rotation, explaining that they are being stretched out to help with innings early on. The Red Sox have five veteran starters on the roster, with Whitlock and Houck representing the exciting potential next wave. We already know Whitlock's stuff plays well in a high-leverage relief role, but he could be more valuable to Boston long term if he successfully transitions back to being a starter. The 25-year-old righty has a starter's pitch mix and came up as a starter with the Yankees before being poached by Boston in the Rule 5 draft last offseason.

Whitlock (1-0) logged two perfect innings Monday, taking the win in Game 4 of the ALDS against the Rays.

EDGE Analysis

Whitlock got the final six outs to close out Tampa Bay. He has emerged as one of Boston's most valuable pitchers this season, and his importance is only amplified in October. It will be interesting to see whether he can wrangle the closing duties next season or if he will remain in a fireman role.

Whitlock (pectoral) pitched a perfect inning and struck out two in Sunday's 7-5 win over Washington.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander missed nearly two weeks with a pectoral strain, but he was solid in his return in the regular-season finale. Whitlock has a 1.96 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 81:17 K:BB across 73.1 innings this year. He's added a pair of saves and 14 holds, so he could be a quality high-leverage option if Boston goes on an extended postseason run.

The Red Sox activated Whitlock (pectoral) from the 10-day injured list Sunday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

Whitlock hasn't pitched since Sept. 19 due to a pectoral strain, but he'll likely see action if Sunday's game against the Nationals is close in the late innings. Further, he'll be one of manager Alex Cora' top relief options in any potential Game 163, wild card game or ensuing postseason round.

Whitlock (pectoral) won't be reinstated from the 10-day injured list Saturday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

Whitlock threw a bullpen session Friday, but he won't rejoin the active roster Saturday. Manager Alex Cora isn't yet sure whether the right-hander will be able to return Sunday, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him available for the postseason if the Red Sox secure a wild-card spot.

Whitlock (pectoral) threw a bullpen session Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The activity puts Whitlock in line to possibly pitch in a regular-season game either Saturday or Sunday, which would be a significant boost to a bullpen that's been tested over the last month. The Red Sox will monitor how Whitlock responds during the day Saturday before making a decision on subsequent steps.

Whitlock (pectoral) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

If Whitlock checks out fine following the bullpen session, he could be activated from the 10-day injured list as soon as Saturday, provided the Red Sox are still in the mix for one of the American League's two wild-card spots. The 25-year-old rookie right-hander has been Boston's most valuable reliever in terms of WAR (1.5) this season, posting a 1.99 ERA and 1.12 WHIP while collecting 15 holds, eight wins and two saves over 72.1 innings.

Manager Alex Cora said that Whitlock (pectoral) made about 60 throws while playing catch Tuesday and that the right-hander could be activated from the 10-day injured list during the upcoming weekend series against the Nationals, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cora noted that Whitlock is not expected to be ready to be activated when first eligible Thursday. Nonetheless, so long as the right-hander is able to return during the final regular-season series in Washington, he should be a candidate to log high-leverage postseason innings should Boston qualify. Whitlock posted an impressive 1.99 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 79:17 K:BB to go along with three saves and 15 holds before moving to the IL with a pectoral strain Sept. 21.