With the fourth pick in the 2020 Rule 5 Draft, the Red Sox selected Yankees prospect Whitlock. In 19, Whitlock threw 70 1/3 innings for Double-A Trenton, posting a 3.07 ERA with 57 strikeouts.
The versatile switch-hitter earned a roster spot for the Red Sox throughout the shortened 2020 season, slashing .250/.325/.319 with one homer and nine RBIs in 80 plate appearances. Araúz is still on the 40-man roster and will compete for a job in Spring Training in 21.
The Red Sox acquired Rutledge from the Angels in July 2015 for Shane Victorino, but the club outrighted him in November 16 and he became a free agent. Though Rutledge signed with the Rockies a couple of weeks later, the Red Sox then snagged him back in the Rule 5 Draft. Rutledge wound up serving as a reserve for three seasons with Boston, slashing .252/.319/.313 with one homer and 22 RBIs in 104 games.