Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Whitlock (oblique) still hasn't been cleared to throw off a mound yet. Although Whitlock played catch on Saturday, fantasy managers should not be expecting him to be activated from the 15-day injured list when first eligible on May 1 at the pace he's progressing through his throwing program. The 27-year-old right-hander left with a strained left oblique in April 16's start versus the visiting Cleveland Guardians, and his 1.96 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 17 strikeouts through 18 1/3 innings (four starts) for the BoSox make him a worthwhile stash in all mixed fantasy leagues. Boston will likely turn to a heavy dose of openers and long relievers until some of their arms return to their injury-depleted rotation. After throwing five scoreless innings in Wednesday's win over Cleveland, right-hander Cooper Criswell might get himself into streaming conversations in the proper matchups.

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that right-hander Garrett Whitlock (oblique) is going on the 15-day injured list after straining his left-oblique in his start on Tuesday versus the Cleveland Guardians. The Red Sox are primarily playing it safe with the move, and the hope is to activate him as soon as he's eligible. Pitcher Joe Jacques is being called up from the minors in a corresponding move. It's a tough break for the 27-year-old Whitlock early in the year, but the silver lining is that it shouldn't keep him out for too long. Before getting hurt on Tuesday, the former 18th-round pick by the New York Yankees in 2017 was 1-0 with a 1.96 ERA (3.41 FIP) and 1.14 WHIP with seven walks and 17 strikeouts in 18 1/3 innings over four starts. It's unclear who will enter Boston's starting rotation as a result of Whitlock's injury, but veteran Chase Anderson could be a candidate.

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Whitlock (oblique) exited Tuesday's start versus the visiting Cleveland Guardians due to tightness in his left oblique. Whitlock threw 54 pitches, 36 for strikes, before left-hander Joely Rodriguez relieved him, allowing two runs on four hits and one walk in four innings of work. Look for the Red Sox to provide another update on the 27-year-old right-hander's status either after Tuesday's game or sometime in the coming days. His next start is tentatively scheduled for Sunday on the road against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but it remains to be seen if his turn in the rotation needs to be skipped. Whitlock has been great as a starter for Boston this year, logging a superb 1.96 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 17 punchouts over 18 1/3 frames (four starts) to begin the 2024 season.

Earning a no-decision on Thursday, Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Whitlock tossed five innings versus the division rival Baltimore Orioles. Whitlock allowed four hits, one run, two walks and struck out four on the evening. It was another solid performance, as Whitlock has been having a strong season with the rest of Boston's rotation. Whitlock now owns a shiny 1.26 ERA to go along with 16 strikeouts and six walks in 14 1/3 innings. Whitlock is worth rostering in most formats with his early season success and he will look to keep it going versus the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday.

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Whitlock didn't allow a run on Saturday in a 2-1 loss to the Angels, however, it wasn't stress-free. The righty lasted just four-and-a-third innings, allowing four hits and walking four while striking out four in the no-decision. The 27-year-old threw 101 pitches despite the short outing. Through two starts, Whitlock has allowed just one earned run on seven hits and four walks with 12 K, posting a 0.96 ERA (2.86 xFIP, 3.14 SIERA). The ERA won't stay that low for long, but he should continue to put up serviceable numbers. He'll get the Angels again next Friday in Boston in his next turn through the rotation.

Boston Red Sox right-hander Garrett Whitlock has officially been named to the team's Opening Day starting rotation. Cooper Criswell will be optioned to Triple-A Worcester and will stay stretched out as a starter. It's good news for Whitlock's fantasy value as a streamer and in AL-only leagues, but his fantasy upside will be capped with the Red Sox most likely monitoring his innings in 2024 since he hasn't gone over 78 1/3 innings in any of his three major-league seasons to this point. The 27-year-old had a 3.45 ERA with two walks and 16 strikeouts in 15 2/3 Grapefruit League innings this spring. Whitlock has some upside in a starting role, but he was inconsistent in a starting role in 2023 before injuries moved him back to the bullpen.

Boston Red Sox right-hander Garrett Whitlock is competing for a starting rotation spot at spring training this year. Whitlock opened last year as a starter, but he was moved to the bullpen eventually and finished 2023 with a career-worst 5.15 ERA (4.27 FIP), a 1.33 WHIP, one save, 13 walks and a career-low 72 strikeouts in 22 appearances (10 starts) covering a career-low 71 2/3 innings. Elbow injuries limited his workload along the way and most likely compromised his effectiveness as well. Lucas Giolito, Brayan Bello, Nick Pivetta and Kutter Crawford should be locked into the top four rotation spots in Boston, so Whitlock will be competing with Tanner Houck and Josh Winckowski for the No. 5 spot after lefty ... [More]

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that right-hander Garrett Whitlock (elbow) will make a minor-league rehab appearance on Wednesday for Triple-A Worcester and work three innings before likely being activated from the 15-day injured list on Sunday. The Red Sox could still view Whitlock as a starter long term, but they will bring the 27-year-old back in a relief role to close out the 2023 season after he made 10 starts earlier this year before his injury. Whitlock could be a bit interesting in deeper leagues in a relief role, but there's no denying that his overall fantasy appeal takes a hit with the move to the 'pen. Before his injury, Whitlock had a 5.23 ERA (4.48 FIP), 1.32 WHIP, seven walks and 47 K's in 51 2/3 innings of work.

Boston Red Sox right-hander Garrett Whitlock (elbow) is inching toward returning after spending time on the injured list since early July. However, according to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic, the 27-year-old will likely work out of the bullpen upon his return. Whitlock, who owns a 4-3 record in 10 starts this season, is sitting on a 5.23 ERA, the worst mark of his career. While the move to the pen isn't ideal for his fantasy value, it's a role he's certainly more familiar with. Of course, there's always a chance Whitlock gets some starts here or there moving ahead, so he's worth considering when the matchup is favorable.

Boston Red Sox right-handers Tanner Houck (face) and Garrett Whitlock (elbow) both threw bullpen sessions over the last two days, with Whitlock throwing 35-40 pitches on Saturday, according to manager Alex Cora. At some point, they'll both progress to facing hitters, but the Red Sox haven't decided on roles for Houck and Whitlock, both of whom have been used exclusively as starters in 2023. Cora said the decision will be made after Tuesday's trade deadline, as the team is in hot pursuit of pitching additions that could change the complexion of their starting staff down the stretch. Houck, who hasn't pitched since June 16 due to a facial fracture, is a few days ahead of Whitlock, who has been out since July 3 with a bone bruise in his elbow.

Boston Red Sox right-handers Tanner Houck (face) and Garrett Whitlock (elbow) will both throw bullpen sessions in the next two days. Houck and Whitlock have both resumed throwing, but there remains no timetables for their returns to the active roster. Houck needed surgery to fix a facial fracture. He hasn't pitched since June 16, but he should have a starting-rotation role waiting for him after looking solid in that role earlier this year before his injury. Whitlock, on the other hand, landed on the injured list on July 4 and had a 5.23 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 51 2/3 innings for Boston before he suffered a bone bruise in his right elbow earlier this month. Houck is the better fantasy stash in deep-mixed leagues for the time being.

Boston Red Sox right-hander Garrett Whitlock (elbow) played catch on Monday and is feeling great. The last report we had on Whitlock was that he hadn't resumed throwing since landing on the injured list on the Fourth of July, so this news is much more encouraging. The 27-year-old isn't coming back anytime soon, but hopefully he can continue building up his arm for a potential return to Boston in August. The Red Sox committed to Whitlock as a full-time starter this year before his injury, but he was struggling with a 5.23 ERA (4.50 FIP) and 1.32 WHIP at the time of his injury. However, he also had just seven walks and 47 strikeouts in 51 2/3 innings over his 10 starts. When he's healthy again, he should get another chance in Boston's rotation, so fantasy managers shouldn't forget about him.

Boston Red Sox right-hander Garrett Whitlock (elbow) hasn't resumed throwing yet, so he will not return to the team next week. The Red Sox are likely to go with bullpen games on Monday and Tuesday against the Oakland Athletics. The 27-year-old has been on the injured list since the Fourth of July with a bone bruise in his right elbow, and fantasy managers in deeper leagues must be patient. You shouldn't feel the need to hang onto Whitlock if you have more pressing roster needs to open the second half of the season. In 10 starts before his injury, Whitlock went 4-3 with a 5.23 ERA (4.50 FIP), 1.32 WHIP, seven walks and 47 strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings in his first year as a full-time starter in Boston.

The Boston Red Sox officially placed right-hander Garrett Whitlock (elbow) on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday with right-elbow inflammation and recalled left-hander Brandon Walter and right-hander Tayler Scott to the active roster in corresponding moves. Whitlock made is just one inning in his last start on Sunday against the Toronto Blue Jays before being pulled, but the good news is he's not dealing with any structural damage and the team doesn't expect a long-term absence. Barring a setback, the 27-year-old could return to start the second half of the season when he's eligible to be activated on July 18. Walter, the team's No. 7 prospect per MLB Pipeline, allowed three runs on six hits while walking three and striking out two in 6 2/3 relief innings in his big-league debut on June 22 against the Minnesota Twins. He'll likely provide relief depth for Boston heading into next week's All-Star break.

Boston Red Sox right-hander Garrett Whitlock (elbow) left his start early on Sunday against the Toronto Blue Jays due to tightness in his right elbow, and although he's expected to need a stint on the 15-day injured list, the Red Sox don't believe it's a long-term injury after he underwent an MRI exam on Monday, according to a baseball source. The 27-year-old only made it through one inning on Sunday before leaving, and he said his current issue is different from the neuritis that sidelined him from April 28 through May 27. Boston isn't concerned that there's anything structurally wrong with Whitlock's arm, so that's good news for those that are holding him in deep-mixed leagues. With the All-Star break coming next week, it should limit the number of games he'll potentially miss. Whitlock's injury is unlikely to result in a call-up of lefty prospect Brandon Walter. Right-hander Dinelson Lamet is also unlikely to join the rotation.

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Whitlock (elbow) was forced to exit early during his start against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. The right-hander was pulled after one inning due to a right elbow injury. It's worth noting that Whitlock dealt with a similar injury earlier in the season that sidelined him for a period of time. The organization announced that Whitlock will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of the injury. Fantasy managers will have to check back for another update on his status.

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Whitlock (elbow) left his start against the Toronto Blue Jays with right elbow tightness. Uh oh. Whitlock lasted just one inning, striking out one and allowing a solo home run to Brandon Belt, before leaving early. We can only hope it was a precautionary exit but elbow issues and pitchers are generally not a good mix. The Red Sox should provide an update on Whitlock following the concussion of Sunday's game.

Boston Red Sox right-handed pitcher Garrett Whitlock allowed only two runs across seven innings to pick up a win against the Rockies Wednesday. Whitlock registered seven strikeouts while issuing just one walk. Since his return from the injured list on May 27, the 27-year-old has consistently kept opponents to one earned run or less in three out of his four starts. He is 4-2 with a 4.38 ERA in 39 innings. Fantasy managers look to see Whitlock keep rolling as he is scheduled to face the Twins on Tuesday.

Boston Red Sox right-handed pitcher Garrett Whitlock (elbow) will be activated off the injured list and make his return from ulnar neuritis in his right elbow on Saturday versus the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 26-year-old is taking the rotation spot of the struggling Corey Kluber, who has since shifted to the bullpen. Whitlock deserves some immediate attention as a viable streaming option and low-budget DFS play on Saturday's slate even if he's on a pitch count after a month-long absence. He garnered an excellent 2.73 ERA in 151.2 innings across 2021 and 2022 and aims to put his dicey start in 2023 (6.19 ERA in 16 innings) in the rear-view mirror. Whitlock also owns a composed 5.2% walk rate for his career.

Boston Red Sox right-hander Garrett Whitlock (elbow) will make a rehab start on Sunday for Triple-A Worcester. The 26-year-old is 1-2 with a 6.19 ERA and 11 strikeouts this season but has been out of commission for a few weeks because of elbow ulnar neuritis. Fortunately, he's feeling good, meaning he may return to the rotation soon. That said, Whitlock is rostered in around 20% of fantasy leagues. However, he's worth stashing in deeper formats for those seeking help.