Potential Red Sox Game-Changer Reportedly May Return To Field Very Soon

Boston got some very good news Wednesday afternoon

The Boston Red Sox already have been bitten by the injury bug early on this season.

Boston has played just five games so far this season -- and is 2-3 after dropping two straight against the Pittsburgh Pirates -- and has done so with three of its potential starting pitchers. 

Garrett Whitlock, Brayan Bello, and James Paxton all have yet to make an appearance this season as they all continue to rehab from injuries. None of the trio have any long-lasting ailments and should be back sooner rather than later, and Red Sox Nation got a very positive update Wednesday. 

Whitlock reportedly could make his season debut for the Red Sox on Tuesday, April 11 against the Tampa Bay Rays on the road at Tropicana Field, according to MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo. 

The 26-year-old mainly has been a reliever for Boston in his two seasons with the club but will be making the jump to the starting rotation this season which should be a major lift. Whitlock made two appearances in Grapefruit League action during spring training and was impressive across five innings of work as he struck out six batters and didn't allow a run. 

Boston's starting rotation has gotten off to a rocky start so far this season so the addition of Whitlock could only help. Through five games, the Red Sox's starting rotation has allowed an abysmal 23 earned runs across just 20 1/3 innings pitched. The Red Sox's offense and bullpen have looked solid, but the starting rotation's struggles have taken the team out of games early on and really has hurt the club. 

Whitlock may not be a savior immediately, but should be able to help. Some of the rotation's struggles could be chalked up to the fact that it's a new season with brand new rules so some rust of the gate isn't too surprising. Even with that being the case, Boston certainly has struggled and could use some reinforcements. 

The 26-year-old should help provide some more stability to a rotation that should be improved from last year's. Bello and Paxton shouldn't be too far behind so in the very near future the club shouldn't be seeing the same issues it currently is. It all starts with Whitlock's return and will continue from there. 

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