It is not anticipated that Garrett Whitlock will rejoin the Red Sox rotation by early next week, and there is at least some worry that he may be sidelined for a lengthy period of time due to a fresh elbow ailment.

With a left oblique injury that has kept him out of action since April 17, Whitlock experienced soreness in his throwing elbow following his rehab start at Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday. Whitlock started having pain on Friday, according to manager Alex Cora, and the Red Sox had to take some precautions because of how bad it was. The right-hander is back in Boston for tests this weekend after being placed on the disabled list.

Before Boston’s series start at Busch Stadium on Friday, Cora stated, “Garrett felt soreness around the elbow area yesterday.” “We’re going to put him on hold for the time being and see what happens this weekend. On Monday, we’ll learn more.

They will complete the entire task over the weekend because he remained at home. We’ll compile data and assess our current situation.

In 4 ⅔ scoreless innings in Worcester on Wednesday, Whitlock gave up two hits and struck out five in what was likely to be his final rehab appearance before going back into the big league rotation. Whitlock was scheduled to pitch on Monday against the Rays at Tropicana Field. Unfortunately, he will not be able to do that.

Cora reported, “He felt great during the outing.” “I felt great the entire night. He was doing alright yesterday. When we finally stretched him out, his body was sore and tight.

Righty Cooper Criswell, who has a 2.67 ERA in 27 innings out of the rotation this season, might have been the odd man out when Whitlock returned, but the Red Sox will proceed with the five starters that are currently in their rotation with Whitlock out. Five days after tossing a career-high 112 pitches against the Rays on Wednesday night, Tanner Houck is slated to pitch on regular rest on Monday. Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, and Nick Pivetta will take on the Cardinals. Bello is scheduled to pitch again in Wednesday’s road trip finale after Criswell pitches on Tuesday in St. Petersburg. Whitlock’s return to the lineup may have allowed the Red Sox to use a six-man rotation, but they won’t now.

This elbow problem is Whitlock’s most recent health setback in a rough three years for the right-hander, 27. Whitlock had a great rookie season in 2021, but during the next two years, he was only able to play in 150 innings due to hip and elbow ailments, and he was on the injured list five times (including three stays in 2023). He was healthy going into the season, earned a spot in the rotation out of spring training, and began the year with a 1.96 ERA through four starts with 17 strikeouts in 18 ⅓ innings.

It’s clear that Whitlock has suffered yet another setback.

Cora remarked, “I think it’s more about the last few years than anything else.” But this child has resilience, that’s for sure. He is powerful. He’s experienced worse. It’s hopefully nothing, but we’ll have to wait and find out. We’ll continue in the interim with the same players rotating through the lineup.