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.