Whitlock (elbow) will undergo internal brace surgery Thursday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Red Sox haven't laid out an official timeline for Whitlock's return, but the 27-year-old righty has expressed optimism that he will be able to return for the start of the 2025 season. He will close the book on 2024 with a 1.96 ERA and 1.15 WHIP alongside a 17:7 K:BB through 18.1 innings over four starts.

Whitlock told reporters Saturday that he is expecting to get an internal brace procedure for his right elbow, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Whitlock is set to meet with Dr. Jeff Dugas on Wednesday, the same surgeon who performed Tommy John surgery on the right-hander in 2019, per McCaffery. Whitlock appeared optimistic that he would avoid TJ surgery and be ready for 2025, but that won't be known until after Wednesday's meeting. Whitlock made four starts for the Red Sox before landing on the 15-day injured list April 17 with a left oblique strain, but the 27-year-old was shut down from his throwing program after sustaining damage to the UCL in his right elbow. The hope now for the Red Sox is that Whitlock is able to return for the beginning of the 2025 season.

Whitlock is scheduled to visit Dr. Jeff Dugas in Birmingham, Ala. on May 30, at which point a decision will be made whether he'll require surgery to address his right elbow sprain, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Whitlock was originally placed on the 15-day injured list April 17 with a left oblique strain, but the health of his pitching elbow is now the Red Sox's chief concern after he sustained the injury in his lone rehab start for Triple-A Worcester last Wednesday. He's reportedly dealing with damage to his UCL, so while the early expectation is that he'll need some kind of procedure to address the injury, he'll first consult with Dr. Dugas to see if rest and rehab is a viable treatment plan. Even if Whitlock is able to avoid surgery, he's still likely looking at an extended absence and likely won't be ready to rejoin the Red Sox until the second half of the season even in a best-case scenario.

Whitlock has damage in his left UCL and will likely need surgery, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Whitlock was shut down from throwing after he reported soreness in his right elbow Wednesday, and after further evaluation, it's been discovered that he has ligament damage. The right-hander will see a doctor in Birmingham later in the week, as he could be in the process of seeking a second opinion before electing surgery.

Whitlock (oblique) reported soreness in his left elbow following his rehab start at Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Whitlock performed well during his outing Wednesday, throwing 4.2 scoreless innings while striking out five batters, but his elbow may cause his return to the Red Sox to be postponed. The 27-year-old righty will be examined by team doctors in Boston on Monday, at which point more information on his status will be available.

Whitlock (oblique) struck out five and allowed two hits and one walk over 4.2 scoreless innings Wednesday in his rehab start with Triple-A Worcester.

EDGE Analysis

Whitlock pumped in 40 of his 61 pitches for strikes and induced 12 swings and misses, looking as strong as ever while pitching in a game for the first time since April 16. Even though he didn't get fully stretched out for a traditional starter's workload Wednesday, Whitlock could return from the 15-day injured list to make his next appearance out of the Red Sox rotation. If the Red Sox decide he won't require an additional rehab appearance, Whitlock would likely start with the big club either Monday or Tuesday at Tampa Bay.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that Whitlock (oblique) could return from the 15-day injured list if all goes well in his rehab start Wednesday with Triple-A Worcester, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Whitlock has missed nearly a month with a left oblique strain, but the Red Sox apparently feel that he should be sufficiently built up after just the one rehab start. Cooper Criswell has performed well since joining Boston's rotation, but he could be headed to the bullpen or back to Worcester once Whitlock is activated.

Whitlock (oblique) will make a rehab start with Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Whitlock was placed on the 15-day injured list April 17 after sustaining a left oblique strain the day before against the Guardians. Before landing on the IL, Whitlock was 1-0 over four starts with a 1.96 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 17:7 K:BB over 18.1 innings. How he fares during and after his rehab start Wednesday will determine whether the 27-year-old right-hander will require more than one outing in the minors to prepare for his return.

Whitlock (oblique) will throw live batting practice Friday, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Assuming all goes well during his live BP session, Whitlock will move onto a rehab assignment next week, though it's unclear if he will require more than one start in the minors. The 27-year-old right-hander has been on the injured list since April 17 and just began his throwing program Saturday.

Whitlock (oblique) threw a bullpen session Saturday, Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Whitlock emerged from the session without issue and will embark on a throwing program. Red Sox manager Alex Cora said "it's just the beginning" when discussing the right-hander's status. Whitlock was placed on the injured list April 17 and seemingly will need at least one rehab start.