Whitley gave up three earned runs on four hits over two innings in Thursday's 19-2 Grapefruit League loss to the Red Sox. He struck out two.

EDGE Analysis

The 27-year-old righty had fired two perfect innings this spring heading into Monday's contest, but fell victim to the same malaise that many of his fellow pitchers did against a hot-hitting Red Sox squad. Whitley surrendered a three-run home run to Hanley Ramirez in the second, and also saw Brock Holt touch him up for a double two batters earlier. Despite the rough outing, Whitley, in his appearances prior to Thursday, had managed to build on the impressive form he flashed last season in his return from Tommy John surgery, so he remains a very viable candidate for the fifth starter role or a bullpen spot.