The Boston Red Sox trail the New York Yankees by 2 /12 games entering play on Thursday.
That Yankees lead could be at two games if they lose to the Astros on Thursday, or three if they win. Regardless, the Red Sox will have a chance to pass them in the standings in the upcoming four-game series that starts on Friday.
The Red Sox could be getting some key players back for that series as well. With all eyes on Roman Anthony and Trevor Story, fans may have forgotten that Garrett Whitlock could be back as well. Whitlock threw a live batting practice session on Wednesday at LoanDepot Park, facing Eli White three times and Caleb Durbin twice, per MassLive's Christopher Smith.
"I felt good," Whitlock told reporters. "Body felt good, arm felt good. So everything you want."
"I'm gonna leave that up to them when they want to activate me, but, yeah," he said when asked if he was ready to return on Friday against the Yankees.
Whitlock is the Red Sox's setup man and would be rejoining a bullpen that has been on fire as of late. Erik Miller has been a great addition for the Red Sox, and he, Whitlock and Aroldis Chapman are an elite trio to close out games.
Whitlock had a 2.25 ERA in 62 games last season and has a 2.05 ERA in 45 games this year. He is a major part of the Red Sox bullpen, and having him back for one of the most important series of the season would be huge.