Garrett Whitlock Activated by Red Sox Ahead of Doubleheader
Boston activated Whitlock ahead of a doubleheader, optioning Olds to the minors to clear the roster spot, per Ian Browne.
Garrett Whitlock is back in the Boston bullpen. The Red Sox activated the right-hander ahead of a doubleheader, per Ian Browne, with Whitlock returning after roughly three weeks away due to elbow inflammation — his stint on the 15-day IL now behind him.
To make room, Boston optioned pitcher Olds — who had just turned in a strong MLB debut — back to the minors. It's the kind of transaction that stings a little for Olds, who earned his way up and now heads back down through no fault of his own.
What we know
Whitlock was sidelined with elbow inflammation and is now available out of the bullpen. Olds was optioned to create the roster space.
What remains unconfirmed
No timetable or workload restrictions for Whitlock have been reported. It's also unclear whether Olds's option is strictly a numbers move or reflects anything about his role going forward.
The bigger picture
This activation arrives in the middle of what looks like a busy roster weekend for Boston. Per Ian Browne, Roman Anthony and Trevor Story have been finishing rehab in Worcester and are reportedly expected to be activated this weekend in New York — meaning the Red Sox bullpen and lineup could look notably different by Sunday than they did a few days ago. Whitlock's return is one piece of that larger shuffle.
More on the Red Sox wire.
Red Sox Make Double Pinch-Hit Move Mid-Inning
Boston sends Duran up for White and Gasper up for Jones in the same inning, signaling a late-game tactical shift.
Anthony & Story May Join Red Sox for Sunday Yankee Stadium Finale
Both prospects/returnees were pulled early from their Triple-A game, fueling beat-reporter speculation of an imminent call-up or activation.
Garrett Whitlock Activated by Red Sox Ahead of Yankees Doubleheader
Boston activated Garrett Whitlock ahead of a doubleheader against New York, per Ian Browne, completing a return that had been building all week.
Garrett Whitlock Activated by Red Sox Ahead of Doubleheader; Olds Optioned
Boston activated Whitlock and optioned pitcher Olds to the minors ahead of a doubleheader, per Ian Browne.
Whitlock Returns to Red Sox Bullpen After Elbow IL Stint
Boston activates the high-leverage reliever from the 15-day IL, with elbow inflammation proving minor enough for a sub-three-week absence.
Red Sox Announce Roster Moves
Boston announced roster moves on Friday; the club's post linked to details without specifying which players or transactions were involved.