Red Sox Activate Garrett Whitlock; Reliever Wyatt Olds Optioned to Worcester

Reliever Garrett Whitlock returns to the Boston bullpen with a 6-1 record and 2.05 ERA after recovering from right elbow inflammation.

NEW YORK -- The Boston Red Sox activated reliever Garrett Whitlock from the 10-day injured list on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Whitlock returns to the active roster boasting a 6-1 record and a 2.05 ERA across 45 appearances this season. The move comes just before a scheduled day-night doubleheader against the New York Yankees. To facilitate Whitlock's return, the club optioned reliever Wyatt Olds to Triple-A Worcester. Olds recently threw a perfect eighth inning during Friday's 1-0 loss and maintained six scoreless appearances during his stint with the major league club.

Whitlock had been sidelined since August 13 due to right elbow inflammation. His last mound appearance occurred on August 9 against the Oakland A's, where he surrendered a game-tying double to Jonah Heim in the eighth inning of an eventual 4-3 Boston defeat. The right-hander had allowed runs in each of his final two outings prior to his placement on the injured list. Interim manager Chad Tracy described Whitlock as a premier setup reliever and a high-level back-end arm whose health is vital for the team's September stretch.

Injury History and Roster Adjustments

This marks the second time Whitlock has been sidelined during the current campaign. Earlier this year, he missed a two-week period following a left knee injury sustained while throwing a warm-up pitch on May 24 against the Minnesota Twins. The current activation follows a stint on the IL that Whitlock initially believed was not serious. By sending Olds to Worcester, the Red Sox swap a rookie who had yet to allow a run for a veteran setup man with significant late-inning experience.

Rehab Updates for Anthony and Story

In addition to the bullpen move, the Red Sox provided updates on outfielder Roman Anthony and shortstop Trevor Story. Anthony, who is recovering from a sprained right wrist, was scheduled to participate in his eighth minor league rehab game for Worcester on Saturday afternoon. He has been out of action since May 6, when he suffered the injury during his first at-bat against Detroit. Story was slated for his 10th rehab game with the Triple-A affiliate as he works back from a sports hernia.

Story’s injury occurred on May 15 after he had participated in 41 of the team's first 43 contests. Before his placement on the injured list, the shortstop was batting .206 with three home runs and five RBI, while also recording six defensive errors. The club is monitoring their progress closely to determine if they will be activated for Sunday's series finale or wait until the team returns to Fenway Park to host Seattle next week.

Decision Timeline for Sunday Activation

Interim manager Chad Tracy and Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow are evaluating the status of both rehabbers based on their performance in the 4:00 PM Worcester game. Tracy noted that the minor league contest would conclude roughly when the Red Sox begin the second game of their doubleheader in New York. While the team has not ruled out activating Anthony or Story for Sunday's game, the decision hinges on post-game feedback regarding their physical condition. The Red Sox are weighing the benefits of an immediate return versus waiting for the upcoming home stand against the Mariners.