Whitlock, who has a 2.05 ERA in 45 games, has been in a throwing program for more than a week and felt fine. But all sides felt it would be best for him to get a tune-up before returning to the roster.
“This is what I expected, to take care of what was going on and come back as soon as I could,” Whitlock said.
Whitlock has a 1.67 ERA in 24 career appearances against the Yankees.
Righthander Justin Slaten, who also is dealing with elbow inflammation, stayed back in Boston and is increasing the intensity of his throwing, according to Tracy. He has been on the IL since Aug. 13.
Roman Anthony, Isiah-Kiner Falefa, and Trevor Story are set to play for Triple-A Worcester at Polar Park on Tuesday against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Anthony was 3 for 11 with two extra-base hits, two walks, and four strikeouts for Double-A Portland last week. He has not played in a major league game since May 4 because of a sprained right wrist.
Story is 2 for 21 with five strikeouts, no walks, and no extra-base hits in six games for the WooSox. He is recovering from sports hernia surgery done in May.
Kiner-Falefa is 1 for 13 in four games for Worcester with two walks and four strikeouts. He has not played for the Red Sox since June 18 because of a bone bruise on his left forearm.
Tracy characterized Story as being the closest to a return, with Anthony expected to play at least two more minor league games and Kiner-Falefa more than that.
Tracy said the Sox are less interested in statistics from the rehab assignments and more in how the players are physically as they return from long layoffs.
“It’s more about game load,” he said. “Accumulation on the legs, back-to-back [nine-inning games] and getting tested for whatever the specific injury is.”
For Story, it’s how he moves laterally and runs the bases. For Anthony and Kiner-Falefa, the focus is on how they feel after swinging the bat.
“You’re trying to build enough to where you see them get through stretches of games and come out of it healthy. That’s the most important thing,” Tracy said.
Payton Tolle, who is scheduled to pitch Tuesday, is 3-0 with a 2.37 ERA last five starts. That none of the Marlins have faced him before should be a significant advantage … Patrick Sandoval is set to face the Yankees on Friday. Beyond that, the Sox have not set their rotation for the critical four-game series. “We’re not there yet,” Tracy said. Brayan Bello, Jake Bennett, and Ranger Suarez are expected to be part of the mix in some fashion … With a scoreless ninth inning, Aroldis Chapman appeared in his 909th career game. That’s 25th all-time among pitchers. Among active players, only Kenley Jansen (971) has more … Miami Heat rookie guard Ryan Conwell threw out the first pitch … The Arizona Fall League starts Oct. 3 and runs through the championship on Nov. 14. Red Sox prospects will play for the Mesa Solar Sox with players from the Angels, Athletics, Blue Jays, and Cubs.
Peter Abraham can be reached at peter.abraham@globe.com. Follow him on Bluesky at peteabeglobe.bsky.social.
