Red Sox Get Major Bullpen Boost Before Doubleheader Against Yankees originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Red Sox received an important reinforcement at exactly the right time.

Boston announced Saturday that right-handed reliever Garrett Whitlock was reinstated from the 15-day injured list. He will serve as the club’s 27 players for its day-night doubleheader against the New York Yankees. Whitlock had been sidelined since Aug. 10 because of right elbow inflammation. He threw live batting practice Wednesday and came through the session without any issues, clearing the way for his return at Yankee Stadium. The timing could hardly be better for interim manager Chad Tracy.

Boston must cover at least 18 innings Saturday, with Game 1 beginning at 1:05 p.m. ET and the nightcap scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET. Even the deepest bullpen can be stretched during a doubleheader, especially when the second game comes only a few hours after the first ends. Whitlock gives Tracy another proven late-inning option and reduces the likelihood that one of Boston’s lower-leverage relievers will be forced into a critical spot.

The Red Sox are also calling up Raymond Burgos as the final player on the roster for the doubleheader.

Garrett Whitlock’s Return Changes Red Sox Bullpen

Whitlock’s impact goes beyond simply adding a fresh arm. When healthy, the right-hander has been one of Boston’s most trusted relievers. He can work in the seventh or eighth inning, protect a narrow lead and occasionally record more than three outs.

The #RedSox today announced the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/yaRdG7MOkm

— Red Sox (@RedSox) August 29, 2026

That versatility will be especially valuable against the Yankees.

If Jake Bennett delivers a competitive start in Game 1, Tracy can use Whitlock to help bridge the gap to closer Aroldis Chapman. If Whitlock is not needed in the afternoon, Boston could hold him for the second game and give Brayan Bello additional protection.

The move also prevents Tracy from having to aggressively use the same relievers in both games. Boston has another rivalry matchup Sunday, so surviving Saturday without exhausting the bullpen will be nearly as important as navigating the doubleheader itself.

Whitlock’s return should eventually restore the late-inning formula that helped fuel Boston’s midseason surge. Chapman can remain in the ninth inning, while Whitlock handles the most dangerous portion of an opponent’s lineup before him.

MORE: Red Sox Shake Up Lineup for Game 1 After Back-to-Back Shutouts

Boston entered Saturday at 73-61 after suffering a 1-0 loss in Friday’s series opener. The Red Sox trail the 76-58 Yankees by three games, making every decision in this four-game series more significant.

The offense still must solve its recent problems after being shut out in consecutive games. However, Boston’s pitching staff now has a much better chance of protecting any lead the lineup can produce.

Whitlock’s return may appear to be one roster transaction, but its impact could be felt throughout the entire weekend.