Three pitchers, two spots, one tough choice: who could still make the Red Sox’ rotation?

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Tanner Houck throws to the Baltimore Orioles during the fourth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)The Red Sox’ starting pitching herd thinned Sunday when Josh Winckowski headed back to the bullpen, leaving three pitchers left to compete for two roster spots.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora announced Winckowski’s status change, noting that the decision is the first of many ahead of Opening Day on March 28 in Seattle.

Now, just three pitchers remain in contention to open the season as starters: Tanner Houck, Garrett Whitlock, and Cooper Criswell.

All three players have made splashy starts during spring training, showing…