Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Whitlock is in contention for the final rotation spot this spring with veteran Rich Hill. Manager Alex Cora said that Nick Pivetta is in line to be the No. 2 starter behind Nathan Eovaldi when the Red Sox open up the season against the rival New York Yankees. Tanner Houck and Michael Wacha comprise the No. 3 and 4 spots to begin the season with Chris Sale (rib cage) injured. Whitlock's stuff played well in a high-leverage relief spot last season, as had a 1.96 ERA and 1.10 WHIP with two saves and 81 strikeouts in 73 1/3 relief innings. The 25-year-old came up through the minors as a starter and could be relevant in mixed leagues if he wins the final rotation job and sticks in the role.

Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Garrett Richards pitched the final two innings of Monday's clinching Game 4 over the Tampa Bay Rays, and he picked up the victory by allowing nary a baserunner. He did not strike out a batter. Whitlock has pitched in three games this postseason, and he's been just as impressive as Boston fans have come to expect, allowing one earned run in 4 1/3 innings while giving up two baserunners and striking out three. There's a strong case to be made that he should be pitching the highest leverage innings for the Red Sox the rest of the way.

The Boston Red Sox activated relief pitcher Garrett Whitlock (pectoral) from the injured list prior to their season finale against the Washington Nationals on Sunday. Whitlock was sidelined for about two weeks with a right pectoral strain. The 25-year-old rookie has been one of the team's top relievers this year. Over 45 appearances, he's tallied 14 holds and two saves while pitching to a 1.99 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP. He's allowed a 4.1% barrel-rate, which ranks in the 95th percentile, and his 2.98 xERA ranks in the 90th percentile.

Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Garrett Whitlock (pectoral) suffered a right pectoral injury during Sunday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the injury isn't expected to be serious. Cotillo reported that the injury is believed to be a minor strain and the team has yet to determine whether a stint on the injured list will be required. This is encouraging news for Whitlock and the Red Sox. The 25-year-old right-hander has been one of the team's top relievers this year, notching 14 holds while pitching to a 1.99 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP.

Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Garrett Whitlock (pectoral) was removed from Sunday's game against the Baltimore Orioles due to right pectoral tightness. The 25-year-old right-hander was able to pitch a complete inning before being removed. He allowed one hit, one walk and one earned run in the sixth inning of the game. It's unclear how severe the injury is at this point. He should be considered day-to-day. Whitlock has been one of the team's top relievers this year. Over 45 appearances, he's pitched to a 1.99 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP while recording 14 holds.

Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Garrett Whitlock pitched two strong innings against the Chicago White Sox Saturday night, earning him his eighth win of the season. He allowed no runs on one hit and one walk and did not strike out a batter. Whitlock is by far the most effective pitcher in Boston's bullpen at this point with his 1.81 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 76 strikeouts in 69 2/3 innings. While he has just two saves in five opportunities this season, savvy fantasy managers may want to add Whitlock on the chance he sees ninth-inning duties fall to him.

Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Garrett Whitlock earned his 11th hold of the season Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles, setting down all five batters he faced with three strikeouts. Manager Alex Cora later said that the team was finally prepared to use Whitlock on back-to-back days. This development makes Whitlock a viable fantasy asset in leagues that reward holds, as he's been excellent all year with a 1.41 ERA. Primary set-up man Adam Ottavino also has been struggling, and left this game with a bruised shoulder, so there may be a void for Whitlock to fill, and savvy fantasy managers should be ready to strike.