The Red Sox bullpen is getting one of its best arms back ahead of Saturday’s crucial doubleheader against the Yankees.
Garrett Whitlock has been activated from the 15-day injured list and will be available to pitch, the club announced Saturday morning. To clear a spot on the active roster the Red Sox optioned right-hander Wyatt Olds to Triple-A.
Boston also added left-hander Raymond Burgos to the roster as the 27th man for the doubleheader.
Whitlock last pitched on Aug. 9, and prior to his injury the right-hander was in the midst of a stellar season as the Red Sox’s top set-up man. Whitlock has posted a 2.05 ERA with 49 strikeouts in 44 innings, and he has also recorded 21 holds bridging the gap to closer Aroldis Chapman.
Whitlock’s return this weekend was widely expected after the reliever faced live hitters during a pregame bullpen in Miami on Wednesday. Whitlock told reporters at that point that he felt ready to return, but the club ultimately opted to hold him out until Saturday to give him extra rest and ensure he’d be available for the doubleheader.
The Red Sox are not expected to activate any of their rehabbing position players on Saturday, though Roman Anthony and Trevor Story could potentially be in play to return for Sunday’s series finale.