Rotation decision due on how to best utilize Whitlock, Houck on Texas trip

BOSTON — Manager Alex Cora would like to have a set rotation when the Red Sox visit Texas next week to play the Rangers. He has used Tanner Houck and Garrett Whitlock in both roles as a starter and a reliever. But moving forward, Cora wants to increase the stability of his pitching staff. Whether the Sox choose either Houck or Whitlock as a starter, it’s clear the other is likely to go to the bullpen.

“The goal is to maximize their talent,” Cora said Wednesday before the second game of a three-game set against the Angels. “Regardless, if one guy starts or the other [is] out of the bullpen, use them in leverage spots for as long as possible. I think, so far, we have accomplished that.”

Whitlock got his second start of the year Wednesday. Houck is available out of the bullpen and will piggyback Whitlock if needed. If he doesn’t pitch Wednesday, Houck will piggyback Rich Hill, the starter for Thursday’s series finale with the Angels. The Red Sox have two days off next week — on Monday prior to the Braves series, and Thursday before the series with the Rangers. That will be the end of the string of off days, which explains why the Sox want to stabilize their rotation.

Shohei Day: Shohei Ohtani is still scheduled to pitch Thursday. It will mark his first-ever start at Fenway.

“Like I said yesterday, he’s the best athlete in baseball,” Cora said. “The talent is off the charts. He’s been great for the game. Obviously, he pitches against us tomorrow. We have to do what we have to do but from afar, it’s great to see the people here yesterday, just came here to see him.”