Whalen, who was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma on Wednesday, could be a candidate to start Saturday against the Red Sox, Bob Dutton of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.
The Mariners have a vacancy in their rotation after Chris Heston was shipped back to the minors following a disastrous start last weekend, so if Whalen goes unused in long relief in the team's next two games, he may be asked to step in as the fifth starter. Even if he ends up starting Saturday and shuts down the Red Sox offense, Whalen may not have much longevity in the rotation, as the Mariners are expected to bring back James Paxton (forearm) from the disabled list May 31. Either Whalen or Sam Gaviglio would likely shift back to the bullpen once Paxton is activated.