Tanner Houck Injury News & Updates

Houck (6-10) earned the win Sunday, allowing one hit and three walks over six scoreless innings against Baltimore. He struck out six.

On the final day of the regular season, Houck delivered one of his better outings of the campaign, blanking the Orioles through six innings after allowing nine runs (eight earned) over his previous two starts (seven innings). The 27-year-old Houck will finish an up-and-down year with a 5.01 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 99 strikeouts through 21 starts (106 innings). While the Red Sox could upgrade their starting pitching before the 2024 season, Houck seems to have the inside track to a spot in the rotation on Opening Day.

Houck (5-10) took the loss Tuesday, allowing seven runs (six earned) on 10 hits over three innings against the Rays. He struck out two.

Houck struggled from the outset Tuesday, allowing three runs in the opening inning before the Rays tacked on another four runs in the third. The 27-year-old right-hander had looked better of late, allowing just two runs over his prior two outings (10 innings). Overall, Houck's ERA is up to 5.31 with a 1.41 WHIP and 93:38 K:BB through 20 starts (100 innings) this season. He'll likely get one more chance to end his season on a high note, as Houck's currently lined up to pitch in Boston's season finale this weekend against Baltimore.

Houck did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing two runs on three hits and four walks over four innings against the Rangers. He struck out four.

Houck didn't have his typical command Tuesday, walking four batters and hitting another to tie his season high in walks allowed. Though he also limited the Rangers to three hits, one of them was a solo homer by Adolis Garcia in the second frame. Over four starts this month (20.1 innings), Houck owns a 2-1 record to go along with a 4.87 ERA and a 21:10 K:BB. He's tentatively scheduled for a date with the Rays at Fenway Park early next week.

Houck (5-9) earned the win over the Yankees in the first game of Thursday's doubleheader. He allowed four hits and issued three walks while striking out seven batters over six scoreless innings.

Houck excelled in the outing, racking up 19 whiffs and seven punchouts. He finished without yielding a run for the first time if 18 starts this season, bouncing back nicely from a five-run, 5.1-inning performance against Baltimore his previous time out. Houck also notched his first quality start since June 10, which was one appearance prior to a start June 16 during which he suffered a facial fracture that kept him out of action for over two months. The right-hander has compiled a 4.94 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 87:34 K:BB over 93 innings overall this season.

Houck's scheduled start Wednesday was pushed back due to inclement weather.

The Red Sox and Yankees will play a doubleheader Thursday, and Houck figures to start on the mound in one of the two games. The 27-year-old righty will be looking for a bounce-back performance after surrendering nine runs over 10.1 innings across his last two starts.

Houck (4-9) took the loss Friday, coughing up five runs on eight hits and two walks over 5.1 innings as the Red Sox were routed 11-2 by the Orioles. He struck out five.

The right-hander held Baltimore off the board for three innings before a Ryan O'Hearn solo shot in the fourth cracked open the floodgates. Houck has struggled since his return to the rotation, posting a 6.05 ERA, 1.66 WHIP and 16:8 K:BB through 19.1 innings in four starts, and while Boston remains on the fringes of the wild-card picture, they're more likely to stick with the 27-year-old in the name of his future development rather than shift him to the bullpen. Houck's next start lines up for a meeting with the Yankees next week at Fenway Park.

Houck (4-8) picked up the win Saturday, giving up four runs on seven hits and a walk over five-plus innings in Boston's 9-5 win over Kansas City. He struck out five.

The right-hander cruised through five innings before hitting a wall in the sixth, loading the bases with nobody out on two singles and a hit-by-pitch. Houck then had to watch all three baserunners come around to score after he'd left the mound, but fortunately for the Red Sox, they'd already scored all nine of their runs at that point. It's Houck's first win since April 20, snapping an eight-decision losing streak, and in three starts since being activated from the IL in late August he's stumbled to a 5.14 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 11:6 K:BB through 14 innings. With Boston trying to stay alive in the wild-card race, it's not clear how patient the team can afford to be with the 27-year-old, but for the moment his next start is lined up for a home series next weekend against the Orioles.

Houck (3-8) took the loss Sunday, allowing one run on five hits and two walks over four innings against the Dodgers. He struck out four.

It was a bit of an unlucky defeat for Houck, who scattered seven baserunners on the afternoon with James Outman's solo home run in the fourth serving as the only run he allowed. Houck kept Boston in the game but threw 80 pitches and was removed after four. Chris Murphy followed and was shelled for six runs in his four innings, leaving Houck to assume credit for the loss. He will take a 4.93 ERA into his next start, which is currently scheduled to take place next weekend in Kansas City.

Houck (3-7) took the loss Tuesday, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks over five innings against the Astros. He struck out two.

After a two-month stint on the IL recovering from being hit in the face by a comebacker, Houck retook the mound against Houston on Tuesday. Despite the lengthy absence, Houck picked up right where he left off, taking his seventh loss of the season and extending his win drought to 118 days (10 starts). Though he was limited to 69 pitches in Tuesday's return, fantasy managers should expect Houck's pitch count to increase over the next few starts. However, he's lined up to take on the Dodgers next time out, making him an unattractive option in nearly all fantasy formats.

Houck (face) was activated from the injured list Tuesday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Houck will take the mound for the Red Sox versus the Astros. The right-hander has been out since mid-June after his face caught a comebacker, requiring surgery. After making a three-start rehab assignment, the 27-year-old is ready. In his rehab starts, he tossed 59 pitches in 4.0 innings, allowing zero runs. In a corresponding move, Chris Murphy was optioned.

Houck (face) will be reinstated from the 15-day injured list to start Tuesday against the Astros, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

The right-hander has been sidelined since mid-June after being struck in the face by a comebacker and requiring surgery, but he's been cleared to rejoin Boston's rotation after a three-start rehab assignment. Houck threw 59 pitches over four scoreless innings during his final rehab start, so he'll likely have some workload limitations in his return to the big-league mound.

Houck (face) will be activated to start Monday or Tuesday in Houston, MLB.com reports.

Houck was sharp in his third and final rehab start Wednesday, firing four scoreless innings and allowing one hit and no walks while striking out four. He threw 59 pitches Wednesday, which means the Red Sox may have him on a limited pitch count when he starts against Astros.

Houck (face) struck out four over four scoreless innings and allowed one hit and no walks in his third rehab start with Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday.

Houck has been razor sharp over his most recent two outings for Worcester, covering seven scoreless frames while striking out seven and permitting just three baserunners. He was lifted after 59 pitches (36 strikes) on Wednesday, and though he isn't yet stretched out enough to handle a typical starter's workload, the Red Sox are likely to bring Houck back from the 15-day injured list and have him make his next appearance in the big leagues. Houck tentatively lines up for a return Monday in Houston, and he could be part of a six-man rotation if the Red Sox elect to keep Nick Pivetta in a starting role.

Houck (face) is lined up to return from the injured list and start Monday against the Astros, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

After undergoing surgery to repair a facial fracture suffered in June, Houck is officially set to make his return after a two-month absence. The 27-year-old righty has already made two rehab appearances with Triple-A Worcester, surrendering two runs and striking out six batters over 4.2 innings, and he's slated to make one more start before his return to Boston. Houck put up a 4.32 ERA and 1.16 WHIP across his last five starts prior to landing on the IL.

Houck (face) will make one more rehab start before returning from the injured list, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Houck has been out since getting hit by a comebacker in mid-June, an incident which lead to a facial fracture and subsequent surgery. He's made a pair of rehab appearances but has only built up to three innings, so the Red Sox presumably want him to get a bit deeper into the game before activating him. The team is planning on having him return during their series in Houston, which runs from Aug. 21 through Aug. 24.

Houck (face) worked three scoreless innings Friday in a rehab start with Triple-A Worcester, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.

Houck cruised through the 34-pitch outing against the Triple-A affiliate of the Blue Jays, tallying three strikeouts while yielding only one hit and issuing zero walks. He still has to build up a bit more on the farm, but the 27-year-old appears on track to return to Boston's rotation within the next couple of weeks. He required facial surgery in late June after getting struck by a comebacker.

Houck (face) will make his next rehab appearance with Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Houck has been on the injured list since June 18 after requiring surgery to address a fracture on the right side of his face, but the right-hander is closing on a return to the Red Sox. He made his first rehab appearance with Worcester on Saturday, covering 1.2 innings and allowing three hits and three walks while tossing 46 pitches. The Red Sox are preparing to bring Houck back from the IL as a starter, so he'll presumably require two more outings in the minors to get fully stretched out.

Houck allowed two runs on three hits and three walks while striking out three over 1.2 innings for Triple-A Worcester on Saturday.

Houck, who made his first rehab start, threw 46 pitches (27 strikes) and was pulled as he reached the projected count of 40-45 pitches. All three strikeouts came in a scoreless first inning, when the right-hander worked out of a bases-loaded jam. Houck's fastball sat at 91-92 mph and topped out at 93, per Triple-A Worcester's official site.

Houck (face), who is beginning a rehab assignment Saturday with Triple-A Worcester, will be stretched out with the intentions of returning as a starter, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Houck has been sidelined since mid-June, so he will likely need multiple rehab appearances to get stretched out, potentially setting up a mid-August return. Per the report, Garrett Whitlock (elbow) will return as a multi-inning reliever.

Houck (face) is scheduled to begin a minor-league rehab assignment Saturday, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

Houck made it through another bullpen session Tuesday without issue and has now been cleared to pitch in live games. It has yet to be announced publicly whether the 27-year-old right-hander will return to the Red Sox as a starter or reliever, and that decision will impact the length of his minor-league rehab stint. Houck has been sidelined since mid-June because of a facial fracture.

Houck (face) will throw an up-and-down bullpen session Tuesday, Chad Jennings of The Athletic reports.

Both Houck and fellow injured starter Garret Whitlock (elbow) will throw bullpens on Tuesday, as each progresses to a rehab assignment. Houck was a starter at the time he sustained a facial fracture in June, but the Red Sox could also add him to the bullpen. Manager Alex Cora stated earlier his preference would be to use Houck as a reliever, but the starting staff is thin at the moment.

The Red Sox will meet Wednesday to discuss which role Houck (face) will fill upon his return, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Manager Alex Cora stated that his preference would be to get Houck back sooner in a relief role but also acknowledged the club is in need of rotation help. What role the Red Sox decide on for Houck will determine how he's used on a rehab assignment. Houck has been sidelined since late June to repair facial fractures.

Houck (face) plans to try to throw off a mound around July 25, MLB.com reports.

The right-hander resumed throwing on flat ground earlier this month following successful surgery to repair a facial fracture -- the result of a comebacker to the face against the Yankees on June 16. "He feels good," manager Alex Cora said last week. "He's been able to do his workouts, keeping his arm moving, which is the most important thing." Houck was showing real promise as a starter before the injury, with his strikeout and walk rates portending better results. He figures to be back in the rotation when ready.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Thursday that Cora (face) has started workouts and will begin throwing Tuesday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Houck's throwing program will begin two weeks after he underwent facial surgery June 27. The timeline for his return will become clearer as Houck progresses in his recovery, but the Red Sox are confident he will be back before the end of the season.

Houck (face) could begin exercises as soon as Friday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Houck had surgery on June 27 during which small plates were inserted into his right cheek to help with the swelling that occurred from the facial fracture. He is not yet eating solid foods and has lost "like seven pounds," Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Wednesday. Houck will meet with a doctor Thursday, though, and a nutrition and exercise plan will follow. There's no timetable for Houck's return, but it's going to be a while.

Houck underwent a successful open reduction and internal fixation of a ight orbito-zygomatico-maxillary complex at Mass General Hospital on Tuesday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

The operation was performed by Dr. Branko Bojovic. Houck had small plates inserted into his right cheek to help with the swelling that occurred from the facial fracture he suffered after being hit by a comebacker off the bat of Kyle Higashioka. There's no timetable for when Houck will return to the mound, but the Red Sox do expect the right-hander to pitch again in 2023.

Houck is undergoing surgery Tuesday to repair his facial fracture, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.

Houck will have small plates inserted into his right cheek, where the swelling his subsided 10 days after he got struck there by a comebacker off the bat of Kyle Higashioka. There is no timetable for Houck's return to the Red Sox, but he is expected to pitch again before the end of the 2023 season.

Houck will undergo surgery next week to repair his facial fracture, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

The procedure will involve the insertion of a plate in his right cheek, where he got struck by a comebacker last Friday against the Yankees. There is no exact timetable yet for his return to the Red Sox, but the 26-year-old is expected back at some point before the end of the regular season. He left behind a 5.05 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 64:23 K:BB through 13 starts covering 67.2 innings.

Houck (face) is scheduled for a follow-up meeting with a doctor Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

Houck, who was hit just under the right eye by a batted ball last Friday, was placed on the injured while the Red Sox gather information. At this point, the team is not sure if Houck will need surgery or how long he'll be out. Tuesday's exam, they hope, will provide more clarity.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Sunday that Houck will be re-evaluated later this week before a determination is made regarding whether he'll surgery to address a fracture on the right side of his face, ESPN.com reports.

Cora commented on the matter shortly after Houck was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday, two days after he exited his start against the Yankees after being struck just below his right eye by a line drive off the bat of Kyle Higashioka. Houck received stitches to seal the wound on his face, but it's not yet clear if the fracture will require surgical intervention or if the injury will be able to heal on its own. If surgery is deemed necessary, Houck's potential return timeline will likely be pushed back further.

Houck (face) was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

The 26-year-old suffered a facial fracture when he was struck by a line drive during his start against the Yankees on Friday, and it's hardly a surprise he'll require some time on the injured list. Houck will be eligible to return July 2, though it's unclear if he's expected to be healthy by that time. Kaleb Ort was recalled in a corresponding move and will open Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader versus New York, per Cerullo.

Houck suffered a facial fracture Friday against the Yankees but is back home and in stable condition, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.

Houck allowed one run in four innings Friday before taking a line drive off his head. He was taken to a local hospital for evaluation follow the scary incident, where he was diagnosed with the fracture. He's yet to be officially placed on the injured list, but the Red Sox announced that his next steps and treatment plan will be announced after a follow-up appointment next week, so it seems as though an extended absence remains a distinct possibility.

Houck is currently being evaluated for a head injury at a local hospital after leaving in the fifth inning of Friday's start against the Yankees, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. "He was lucky," Red Sox manager Alex Cora said.

Houck never lost consciousness, and he was able to walk off under his own power before leaving the contest. The right-hander allowed one run in four innings with a walk and two strikeouts prior to exiting. Houck should be considered day-to-day, but the results of his testing will go a long way in determining whether he makes his next scheduled start.

Houck (3-6) allowed two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out six over six innings to take the loss Saturday versus the Yankees.

While Houck did well to limit baserunners, two of the three hits he allowed left the yard, and the Red Sox's offense couldn't overcome that. This was Houck's third quality start of the season, and a solid bounce-back effort after he was tagged for eight runs in nine innings over his last two starts. The right-hander still doesn't have great numbers on the surface with a 5.23 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with a 62:22 K:BB over 63.2 innings this season. He's projected for a home start next week in a rematch with the Yankees.

Houck (3-5) took the loss Sunday, allowing four runs on five hits and four walks over five innings against the Rays. He struck out six.

Houck tied his season high with four walks and allowed at least four runs for the fourth time over his past six starts. The 2017 first-round pick worked primarily out of the bullpen last year but has operated exclusively as a starter to begin this season. While his ERA has ballooned significantly as a starter, he's still posting a similar WHIP and K:BB, which suggests he could turn things around eventually. However, things won't get easier for Houck anytime soon, as his next start is scheduled for the opener of a three-game weekend set at Yankee Stadium.

Houck's start against the Rays has been moved from Saturday to Sunday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Friday's game between Boston and Tampa Bay was rained out, triggering a rescheduling of projected starters. Complicating matters was Saturday's scheduled doubleheader. Garrett Whitlock, Friday's starter, was moved to the first game of Saturday's doubleheader while the second game is TBA.

Houck (3-4) allowed four runs on six hits over four innings Sunday, striking out four and taking a loss against the Diamondbacks.

All four runs against Houck came in the first two frames, including Corbin Carroll's two-run shot in the first inning. Houck has taken a loss in four straight decisions, posting an unsightly 5.97 ERA during that six-start stretch. He now owns a 5.30 ERA after failing to complete five innings for the second time this season. Houck is currently lined up to make his next start at home against the Rays.

Manager Alex Cora confirmed Wednesday in a radio interview with "Gresh and Fauria" on WEEI 93.7 that Houck will remain in the starting rotation, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Houck pitched well in his start against the Angels on Monday with six innings of one-run baseball and eight strikeouts in a no-decision. The right-hander will remain a starting option for Boston in the place of Corey Kluber, with Kluber being moved to the bullpen for the foreseeable future. Houck has had his own struggles in 2023 -- the strong outing against Los Angeles lowered his ERA to 4.99 over 48.2 innings -- and while he has shown the ability to miss bats, his struggles against lineups the second and third time through an order make him a risky fantasy option when he's on the mound.

Houck allowed a run on three hits and two walks while striking out eight over six innings in a no-decision versus the Angels on Monday.

Houck has had some trouble working through the order multiple times, but he set down 11 of the last 12 batters he faced Monday and erased the one exception with a double play. This was his best outing of the year, though he's still winless over his last five starts and has just two quality starts in nine contests. Houck has a 4.99 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 46:17 K:BB through 48.2 innings this season. With off days Thursday and next Monday, the Red Sox may not need a sixth starter until they have a doubleheader June 3 versus the Rays. That could lead to Houck being available out of the bullpen over the weekend if Garrett Whitlock (elbow) returns as expected Saturday versus the Diamondbacks.

Houck has a 2.33 ERA the first time through an order, but the ERA swells to 5.40 when facing hitters a second time, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

The numbers get uglier a third time through, when Houck's ERA climbs to 13.50. Boston manager Alex Cora said nothing has been different about Houck later in games -- throws the same pitches, the stuff is the same, keeps attacking hitters. The pattern emerging could lead Cora to move Houck to the bullpen. The Red Sox are currently operating with six starters -- and a seventh, Garrett Whitlock (elbow), on the way. Decisions need to be made, and Houck's inability to sustain his early-inning success could make it an easy decision for the manager.

Houck (3-3) took the loss against Seattle on Monday, allowing four runs on five hits and one walk while striking out five batters over five innings.

Houck pitched well early, retiring the first 11 batters he faced and making it through four innings without allowing a run. However, he surrendered a two-run homer to Cal Raleigh in the fifth and then opened the sixth by allowing the first two batters to reach base, and each came around to score after his departure. Houck did flash some good swing-and-miss stuff with 15 whiffs, and his early-inning success may help him in his bid to remain in the rotation. However, his overall numbers this season aren't great, as he's posted a 5.48 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 38:15 K:BB over 42.2 frames.

Houck will make his next scheduled start, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

When exactly that start will come isn't clear, but it will either be next weekend against the Cardinals or early next week versus the Mariners. James Paxton (hamstring) is also set to join the rotation next weekend, so the Red Sox appear poised to use a six-man rotation for at least one turn. Houck was charged with three runs on five hits and a walk over 5.2 innings against the Phillies on Sunday, notching four strikeouts along the way.

Houck will remain in the Red Sox' rotation for now and start Sunday in Philadelphia, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

While manager Alex Cora committed to Houck making his next scheduled start, he did not guarantee anything beyond that. Notable is that James Paxton's (hamstring) rehab assignment window runs out on May 8, one day after Houck's start. Houck has been roughed up for 10 runs (nine earned) over 11 innings in his last two starts.

Houck didn't factor into the decision in Tuesday's 7-6 win over the Blue Jays, surrendering six runs on six hits and three walks over six innings. He struck out five.

The right-hander cruised through four innings before suddenly falling apart in the fifth and getting tagged for all six of Toronto's runs, including a three-run shot by Daulton Varsho. Houck made it through one more frame before exiting after 96 pitches (57 strikes), and Boston's bats were able to get him off the hook for his second loss of the year. He'll take a 5.34 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 29:13 K:BB through 32 innings into his next outing, likely to come this weekend in Philadelphia.

Houck (3-1) took the loss Wednesday, allowing four runs on seven hits and two walks over five innings against the Orioles. He struck out two.

Houck was able to settle down initially after allowing a run in the first inning. However, the Orioles would string together four hits to score three runs in the fifth, handing Houck his first loss of the season. The 26-year-old righthander has a 4.50 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 24:10 K:BB in five starts this season. He seems destined for a move to the bullpen with James Paxton's (hamstring) return looming.

Boston will stick with a six-man rotation through the end of its upcoming road trip, meaning Houck will make at least one more start before a decision on which pitchers settle into the five-man rotation, Molly Burkhardt of MLB.com reports. Houck is tentatively expected to start next Wednesday in Baltimore.

Brayan Bello's return this week gave the Red Sox six capable of starters, each of whom has pitched in the previous six games, with James Paxton's return from a hamstring injury looming. A tentative spring plan, which had Houck in the bullpen when all arms were healthy, may have changed Thursday, when he threw a seven-inning gem against the Twins. Houck has been one of the most consistent starters, going at least five innings in three of four games and never allowing more than three earned runs. Paxton's most recent rehab outing came out of the bullpen, which suggests the club is leaning toward a long-relief role for him. That would leave Houck and Nick Pivetta, who starts Friday, in the hunt for the No. 5 starter job.

Houck (3-0) earned the win Thursday, allowing three runs on six hits and one walk over seven innings against Minnesota. He struck out seven.

Houck was sharp Thursday as he allowed just three runs, including a pair on a Willi Castro home run, through a season-high seven innings as the Red Sox cruised to an 11-5 win. Houck improves to 3-0 with a 4.29 ERA. 1.24 WHIP and 22:8 K:BB through his first four starts this season (21 innings). While Boston may still elect to move the 26-year-old right-hander to the bullpen when James Paxton (hamstring) returns, Houck made a solid case to stay in the rotation with his performance Tuesday.

Houck is listed as the Red Sox' starter for Thursday's game versus the Twins, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Houck might eventually be booted from the rotation with Brayan Bello back and James Paxton (hamstring) not far off, but he'll make at least one more start. The right-hander has been effective in his career both as a starter (3.39 ERA) and reliever (2.68 ERA) and holds a 4.50 ERA in three starts this season.

Houck did not factor into the decision Friday, allowing two runs on four hits and four walks over four innings during a 5-3 win over the Angels. He struck out six.

After retiring the first two batters of the game, Houck allowed three straight to reach with two outs, including a two-run double by Hunter Renfroe. The right-hander ended the first inning by striking out Jake Lamb and was able to work around a few baserunners en route to three scoreless frames before getting pulled. Houck failed to get through the fifth for the first time in three starts, but he did strikeout a season-high six. He currently sports a 15:7 K:BB and a 4.50 ERA.

Houck (2-0) earned the win Saturday, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks over five innings of work against Detroit. He struck out four.

Houck gave up both runs in the fourth on a double by Phil Maton and a sacrifice fly off the bat of Spencer Torkelson. Outside of that, the right-hander was effective against the not-so-good Detroit lineup, and it helps lower his ERA to 4.50 to go with the two wins over his first two starts in 10 innings of work. Assuming no changes to the rotation order, Houck is lined up to face off against the Angels over the weekend.

Houck (1-0) yielded three runs on five hits and a walk over five innings Sunday, striking out five and picking up a win over Baltimore.

The 26-year-old righty rolled through four scoreless frames before allowing home runs to Adam Frazier and Cedric Mullins in the fifth. Houck tossed 45 of 70 pitches for strikes, including 10 whiffs on 27 swings. As was the case last season, he mostly relied on the slider but he also threw 19 cutters. Houck is lined up to take the mound in Detroit next week.

Houck allowed two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out four over 3.1 innings in Sunday's spring start against the Yankees.

Houck made his third spring start, and it's looking like he remain in that role for the start of the regular season. Both Brayan Bello (forearm) and James Paxton (hamstring) appear to be heading for the injured list to start the season, which opens up a spot for Houck and another depth starter. Add in Garrett Whitlock (hip), who will make his spring debut this week, and there could be plenty of openings for Houck.

Houck allowed two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out four over three innings in Tuesday's spring start against Atlanta.

While the results aren't impressive, manager Alex Cora was pleased Dawn Klemish of MLB.com reports. "As far as stuff, I saw a lot of swings and misses, and he used a split-change a few times today and kept them off-balance, so that was a good one," Cora said. Houck, who has served in a variety of roles for Boston, was ticketed for a multi-inning relief role in 2023, but injuries to projected starters make him a rotation possibility to start the season.

Houck allowed four walks and struck out two over 1.2 scoreless innings in Thursday's spring game against the Phillies.

Houck, working as a starter, made his spring debut and looked rusty. It was the first game appearance in seven months for the right-hander, who missed the final seven weeks of 2022 with a back issue that eventually required surgery. Houck told Ian Browne of MLB.com that he was "leaving the arm hanging behind" and knows the adjustment he needs to make. Houck is projected to serve in a multi-inning relief role, but the club is stretching him out during the Grapefruit League. He could emerge as a rotation member early on if Garrett Whitlock (hip) and/or Brayan Bello (forearm) are delayed.

Houck could be in line to open the season in the Red Sox' rotation with Garrett Whitlock (hip) and Brayan Bello (forearm) behind schedule, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Houck had seemed ticketed for a relief role when camp opened, but he's needed more in the rotation initially. It's possible the assignment is temporary, as neither Whitlock nor Bello are expected to miss much time if they do indeed need injured list stints. Of course, Houck could change that conversation if he gets off to a good start. The right-hander has a 3.22 ERA in 20 career starts and a 2.68 ERA in 33 relief outings.

Houck will start next Thursday against against the Phillies, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

This will be the first time Houck pitches in game action since undergoing back surgery last September. He's in the mix for a rotation spot but could eventually serve as a multi-inning reliever, if Boston's projected starters remain healthy.

Houck (back) will serve as a starter during spring training but could move to a multi-inning bullpen role, Christopher Smith fo MassLive.com reports. "We will see where we want him but we have to maximize him," Red Sox manager Alex Cora said.

Houck is one of seven candidates vying for the five-man rotation. The pitcher said he's a "full-go" for spring training after undergoing back surgery last September. Houck has been used as both a starter and reliever in the majors, thriving in both roles. The right-hander has a 3.22 ERA in 20 career starts and a 2.68 ERA in 33 relief appearances.

Houck (back) is throwing off the mound, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic.

Houck is working his way back from a lumbar discectomy that sidelined the right-hander at the end of the season. He's been the subject of trade rumors, but for now is being prepped to compete for a spot in the Red Sox rotation.

Houck underwent a successful lumbar discectomy Tuesday and is expected to be ready for the start of 2023 spring training.

Back surgery is always a tricky procedure for athletes to come back from successfully and quickly, but the hope is that Houck's 2023 season won't be greatly affected. He had saves in back-to-back appearances in early August before landing on the injured list, and it's unclear how much Houck will factor into the saves mix in 2023. He could also eventually get stretched back out as a starter, although he was limited to 60 innings this season.

The Red Sox transferred Houck (back) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Sunday.

The transaction clears a spot on the 40-man roster for first baseman Triston Casas, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Worcester on Sunday in a corresponding move. Houck is scheduled to undergo surgery next week to address a disc issue in his back and will miss the rest of the season.

Houck will undergo back surgery next week, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Houck was expected to require surgery to correct a disc issue in his back, and manager Alex Cora confirmed Saturday that the right-hander will undergo a procedure in the coming days. However, Houck is expected to be ready for spring training in 2023. It's not yet clear what role he'll play next season after he saw his fair share of save chances in 2022.

Houck is expected to undergo back surgery, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Houck was shut down Thursday due to continued back soreness, with reports emerging that he might not return this season. If he does indeed undergo surgery, that will formally rule him out for the remainder of this season and could lead to questions about his durability and effectiveness heading into next year. He recorded a 3.15 ERA in 60 innings this season, working mostly out of the bullpen. His eight saves still lead the Red Sox, but Garrett Whitlock (six), John Schreiber (five) or Matt Barnes (four) could pass him down the stretch.

Houck (back) was shut down from throwing Thursday, and manager Alex Cora isn't sure if the right-hander will return by the end of the season, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Houck was scheduled to throw live batting practice Tuesday, but that session was scratched due to lingering back soreness, and he's now been shut down entirely. It doesn't sound as though the 26-year-old has experienced a setback, but he's clearly not recovered from the disc issue that landed him on the injured list nearly a month ago. Even if Houck is able to return this season he's likely to be out until late September. Garrett Whitlock, John Schreiber and Matt Barnes should continue to split save chances for the Red Sox.

Houck (back) didn't throw live batting practice as scheduled Tuesday due to continued back soreness, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

The 26-year-old landed on the shelf Aug. 9 with a disc issue in his back and returned to throwing last week, but the ongoing soreness will prevent him from further ramping up his throwing program. Houck is already eligible to return from the 15-day IL, but he may still be a couple weeks away from rejoining the active roster.

Houck (back) will throw live batting practice at Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Houck has been on the injured list since early August due to a disc issue in his back, but he was cleared to throw off flat ground early last week. The right-hander has made quick progress in his recovery since then, and he'll take another significant step by facing hitters Tuesday. Assuming he feels good afterward, it's possible that the right-hander will be able to begin a rehab assignment soon.

Houck (back) threw off flat ground Tuesday and felt good following the session, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

That's good news for Houck, whose injury came with talk of the possibility of surgery. He'll start building up in the coming days/weeks, and Boston manager Alex Cora hopes the right-hander can pitch by the end of the season.

Houck (back) was diagnosed with a disc issue and will return to Boston for a week of treatment, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

From treatment to further evaluation to an eventual rehab assignment, it appears Houck could miss quite a bit more time with his back injury. A best-case scenario probably has Houck off the injured list near the end of the month, but sometime in September seems more likely for the Boston closer.

Houck (back) will see a spine specialist Monday.

This will be the last in a series of appointments with back specialists for Houck, the Red Sox's closer who was placed on the 15-day injured list Aug. 6. Boston manager Alex Cora believes the club will have a better idea of the right-hander's timetable after the final consultation, and the earliest he can return is Aug. 21. While Houck's unavailable, Garrett Whitlock and John Schreiber have picked up save chances.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said the team is still gathering information on Houck's back injury, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Houck was placed on the injured list Tuesday with lower-back inflammation. The pitcher has a couple of appointments with physicians coming up, and the Red Sox will have a better idea about a timeline after Houck has been evaluated.

Houck was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday, retroactive to Aug. 6, with lower-back inflammation.

Houck hasn't seen the mound since pitching back-to-back games on the first two days of August, so it's unclear when exactly he suffered the injury. The 26-year-old has been operating as Boston's primary closer, and Garrett Whitlock and John Schreiber are the likely candidates to step in while Houck is sidelined.

Houck saved Tuesday's 2-1 win against the Astros, tossing 1.2 perfect innings. He failed to record a strikeout.

Houck was brought in with two on and one out in the bottom of the eighth and escaped the jam on just four pitches, then delivered a 1-2-3 frame in the ninth for his second save in as many days. Manager Alex Cora's use of the 26-year-old in consecutive saves cements his status as Boston's closer after Garret Whitlock picked up two saves at the end of July. Houck possesses a 3.15 ERA and 1.18 WHIP with 56 strikeouts In 60 innings with eight saves in 32 appearances.

Houck fired a perfect ninth inning, striking out one to earn the save in Monday's 3-2 win over the Astros.

Houck had allowed a run in each of his last two appearances, but he was sharp after going four full days between outings. The save was his first since June 25 -- that's a product partly of his own shaky performance but mostly from the Red Sox's brutal July swoon. The right-hander has a 3.24 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 56:22 K:BB in 58.1 innings with seven saves, a blown save and a hold through 31 appearances (four starts).

Houck (5-4) allowed a run on one hit in one inning, taking the loss Wednesday versus the Guardians.

Houck entered with the game tied at 6-6 and gave up a solo home run to Josh Naylor. That ended up being the deciding run. Houck has surrendered a run in three of his last five outings, and he hasn't earned a save since June 25 as the Red Sox have slumped to the bottom of the AL East. The right-hander owns a 3.30 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 55:22 K:BB with six saves in 57.1 innings across 30 appearances (four starts) this year.

Houck (5-3) recorded the win in Friday's 5-4 extra-innings victory over the Yankees after blowing his first save of the season, allowing an unearned run on two hits and two walks over two innings. He also hit a batter with a pitch and didn't get a strikeout.

Entrusted with a 4-3 lead in the ninth inning, Houck put the first two batters of the inning aboard before throwing the ball wide of third base on what was intended to be a sacrifice bunt by Isiah Kiner-Falefa, allowing Gleyber Torres to score the tying run. The right-hander avoided any more damage thanks to double plays in the ninth and 10th, however, and he was still the pitcher of record when Boston scored in the top of the 11th. Houck hasn't picked up a save since June 25, but for now he still appears to be manager Alex Cora's first choice to close out games.

Houck was reinstated from the restricted list Thursday, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

Houck will return to the team following their series in Toronto, which he was unavailable for because of his vaccination status. He'll return to manning the backend of the Red Sox bullpen as the team starts a series against the Cubs on Friday.

The Red Sox placed Houck (personal) on the restricted list Monday.

Houck's placement on the list was fully expected, as he was previously inactive for the Red Sox's series in Toronto in late April due to his vaccination status. Since Houck remains unvaccinated two months later, he won't be eligible to cross the Canadian border and will be unavailable for the entire three-game series in Toronto. John Schreiber and Matt Strahm look like the top options to pick up saves before Houck returns to the fold for the Red Sox's three-game series against the Cubs this weekend.

The Red Sox are expected to place Houck on the restricted list prior to Monday's series opener in Toronto, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

Because he remains unvaccinated against COVID-19, Houck won't be eligible to cross the Canadian border and will miss the Red Sox's second series of the season in Toronto after he was previously unavailable for the four-game set at Rogers Centre in late April. While the team is in Canada, Houck will throw a live batting practice session in Boston to stay sharp before he's eligible to rejoin the Red Sox in Chicago for their series with the Cubs that begins Friday. Houck has emerged as Boston's preferred option at closer over the past three weeks, but John Schreiber and Matt Strahm will likely represent the best bets to pick up save chances during the Toronto series.

Houck earned the save against the Guardians on Saturday with a perfect inning of work.

Houck needed only seven pitches -- six of which were strikes -- to set the aside down in order in the ninth inning. For the first time in 10 contests, the right-hander failed to record a strikeout, but that's of little concern given the results. Houck has notched a save in six of his past seven appearances and has gained a stranglehold on Boston's closer role with a 1.69 ERA and 14:1 K:BB over 10.2 innings since the start of June.

Houck allowed one run on three hits while striking out two over the ninth inning of Friday's 6-3 win over the Guardians.

With the Red Sox leading 5-2 to start the ninth inning, Houck was warming up for a potential save but didn't get the opportunity after Boston plated a run in the top half of the frame. Houck is set to miss the three-game series in Toronto that begins Monday, so the Red Sox may get him work this weekend regardless of the situation to keep him fresh.

Houck will not make the trip to Toronto for next week's three-game series against the Blue Jays due to his unvaccinated status for COVID-19, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. The series runs from Monday to Wednesday.

Houck has evolved into the role as Boston's closer, but manager Alex Cora will have to get creative if the Red Sox need a save during the series. The right-hander opened the season as part of Boston's rotation, but was moved to the bullpen, ironically, after he didn't make the team's first trip to Canada in April. Since then, Houck has been a swiss-army knife out of the bullpen and eventually settled in as the best ninth-inning option.

Houck allowed one hit in a scoreless frame against the Tigers on Monday. He struck out one batter and earned a save.

Houck coughed up a one-out single to Spencer Torkelson but had no issue closing out the 5-2 win over Detroit. He's earned a save in five straight outings, allowing one run on five hits over 3.2 frames during that span. The 25-year-old is sporting a 3.45 ERA as he looks to have a solid hold on the closer role in Boston.

Houck earned a save against the Cardinals on Sunday. He allowed one hit and struck out one batter.

Boston held a 6-1 lead in the ninth but, after a three-run homer from Juan Yepez, Houck was needed to record the final out. He coughed up an infield hit to Tommy Edman before striking out Brendan Donovan to finish off the contest. Houck has picked up a save in each of his last four outings and lowered his ERA to 3.53 through 43.1 frames.

Houck gave up a run on two hits with one strikeout in one-third of an inning Friday to record his third save of the season in a 6-5 win over the Cardinals.

Boston led 6-1 heading into the ninth inning, but after Austin Davis made a mess of things with two outs, Houck got the call and barely escaped the jam, serving up back-to-back doubles to Tommy Edman and Brendan Donovan before finally striking out Paul Goldschmidt. Houck has converted three straight save chances since being moved into a high-leverage relief role, while Friday's run was the first on his ledger since May 15. Out of the bullpen this season, the right-hander has a 3.08 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 29:9 K:BB through 26.1 innings, and he may be the guy to bring some stability to the Red Sox closing picture.

Houck saved Sunday's 2-0 win against the Mariners, striking out one in a 1-2-3 ninth inning.

Houck needed just eight pitches to notch his second save in as many appearances and is primed to receive more opportunities ahead with fellow closer Hansel Robles blown save Saturday. The 25-year-old has fired 16 scoreless innings across his eight appearances -- all in relief -- with 16 strikeouts and four walks in the span. Houck's lowered his seasonal ERA from 5.40 to 3.38 with the impressive stretch and should continue to see a high-leverage role in Boston's bullpen.

Houck allowed a hit and hit a batter while striking out two in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Friday's 4-3 win over the Mariners.

Houck needed 22 pitches (13 strikes) to get through the frame, but he was able to escape with his first save of the campaign. The right-hander has seen a versatile role throughout the year, but manager Alex Cora is committed to giving him a look in high-leverage relief situations going forward. Through 41.2 innings in 15 appearances (four starts), Houck has a 3.46 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 40:16 K:BB. With Hansel Robles back from the injured list Thursday, the back end of the Red Sox's bullpen is likely to grow increasingly crowded until a favorite for saves emerges.

Houck (4-3) allowed one hit and one walk while striking out three over two scoreless inning to pick up the extra-inning win over the Angels on Tuesday.

Houck, who gave up a leadoff double in the bottom of the ninth inning, bared down to shepherd the game into an extra frame. He induced a pop-out, a swinging strikeout, then got Jo Adell looking at a filthy slider. It was his sixth straight scoreless appearance. After serving as a piggyback starter for Rich Hill, Houck has made four consecutive relief appearance of two innings or fewer, as manager Alex Cora is giving him a new role. "That's what we're looking for," Cora said about Houck's two scoreless innings to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com. "We're going to use him in high-leverage situations. We'll try to avoid the 4-inning, 3-inning stints. The maximum he'll go is two (innings). Kind of like the way we used Garrett (Whitlock) last year. He's been throwing the ball great for us... His stuff is really good late in games." Houck may be a stabilizing presence in a bullpen that desperately needs one. This could be a role the eventually involves save opportunities.

Houck allowed three hits and walked two while striking out three over three scoreless innings in Wednesday's 3-1 loss to the White Sox.

Houck, who opened the season in the starting rotation, has since been used primarily as a piggyback reliever for No. 5 starter Rich Hill. After a brief two-game shaky stretch, Houck has allowed one run on five hits and four walks while striking out nine over 10 innings in his relief role. That's lowered his ERA to 4.28, but the right-hander continues to flirt with men on base; he's walked 15 and hit three batters over 33.2 innings.

Houck (3-3) allowed one hit and one walk while striking out six across four scoreless innings to earn the win Thursday against the Mariners.

Houck entered the game in the third inning after a short outing from Rich Hill. Having allowed 11 earned runs across his last eight frames entering Thursday, Houck turned in one of his better performances ofthe season by inducing nine swinging strikes across 58 pitches. Even after this strong performance, Houck owns a 4.70 ERA with a 29:13 K:BB across 30.2 innings on the campaign.

Houck allowed a run on a hit and a walk in three relief innings during Sunday's loss to the Rangers.

The right-hander worked behind opener Austin Davis during Sunday's matchup, marking the fourth time he's pitched out of the bullpen in his last five appearances. Manager Alex Cora hasn't provided a clear reason for keeping Houck in a bullpen role, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him continue to work as a reliever since Michael Wacha (side) is expected to return next weekend. Houck has posted a 5.40 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in 26.2 innings over eight appearances (four starts) this season.

With the Red Sox to open with Austin Davis on Sunday, Houck is expected to follow as the bulk-inning pitcher, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Houck hasn't pitched since last Sunday, so he has plenty of bullets to expend. The reasoning behind starting Davis over Houck was not made clear by manager Alex Cora, who would only confirm that Houck is healthy.

Houck (2-3) was charged with the loss Sunday against the White Sox after surrendering three runs on four hits with two strikeouts and zero walks over 2.2 innings.

The 25-year-old was pressed into starting duty with Michael Wacha (side) a late scratch, and he was pitching on two days' rest after throwing 56 pitches Thursday. Manager Alex Cora recently declared that Houck would be working out of the bullpen for the foreseeable future, but he could move back into the rotation with Wacha on the 15-day IL and Rich Hill (illness) on the COVID-19 IL,

Houck is listed as the Red Sox's starting pitcher for Sunday's game against the White Sox, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

On Saturday, manager Alex Cora confirmed that Houck would remain in the bullpen for the foreseeable future with Garrett Whitlock having earned a spot in the rotation, but the team will be forced to adjust its plans just one day later after Sunday's scheduled starter, Michael Wacha, was scratched due to side soreness. An MRI on Wacha's side returned clean, and while the Red Sox are optimistic he won't require a trip to the injured list, Houck will be summoned from the bullpen to make a spot start in his stead. Don't expect Houck to work deep into Sunday's outing, as he'll be pitching on only two days' rest after he piggybacked Rich Hill in Thursday's loss to the Angels and gave up seven runs across 2.1 innings (56 pitches) in that long-relief appearance.

Houck will remain in the bullpen for the foreseeable future, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

Houck made three starts to open the year before shifting to the bullpen for his next three appearances. With Rich Hill out after testing positive for COVID-19, there's a path for Houck to return to the rotation, but that job will go to Garrett Whitlock instead. Houck has fallen far short of the standards he set last season, with his ERA rising from 3.52 to 5.14 as his underlying numbers have taken similarly large steps back across the board. If he sorts things out in a multi-inning relief role, it's certainly possible he'll return to the rotation before too long, but his fantasy appeal will be greatly diminished until that happens.

Houck (2-2) picked up the loss Thursday, allowing seven runs on five hits, one walk and a hit batsman while striking out four over 2.1 innings against the Angels.

Houck's second turn as a piggyback pitcher behind Rich Hill did not go as well as his first. After Hill's five scoreless innings, Houck allowed a two-run home run to Jared Walsh in the seventh inning then was raked for five runs in the eighth. It's unclear what the next step is for Houck, who opened the season in the rotation but pitched in relief since missing a turn in Toronto due to his unvaccinated status. What is becoming clear is that Boston can't afford to leave Garrett Whitlock in the rotation -- he's much more valuable in the bullpen, which is seriously underperforming (4.50 ERA, 25th) -- so Houck could return to the rotation as a traditional starter.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Houck is likely to be used in a piggyback arrangement when Rich Hill's next turn in the rotation comes up Thursday against the Angels, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

After Houck was reinstated from the restricted list April 29, he was used behind Hill in the latter's most recent start in Baltimore later that same day. The pairing bore favorable results, as Houck struck out four over three scoreless frames en route to picking up the win after Hill turned in four scoreless innings before him. Cora indicated that he plans to see how the Hill/Houck pair plays out this time around before reassessing whether to add Houck back to the rotation next week in a traditional starting role, or to keep him on hand in the bullpen. If the Red Sox do decide to reintegrate Houck into the rotation, Garrett Whitlock would likely head back to the bullpen and serve as a versatile multi-inning arm.

Manager Alex Cora said Saturday that Houck will continue to pitch out of the bullpen for now, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Houck's last two appearances came out of the bullpen to work around his placement on the restricted list, and he struck out six in 4.2 scoreless innings. Garrett Whitlock has impressed this season, so he'll draw the start Wednesday against the Angels. However, Cora didn't commit to Whitlock as a long-term starter, so it's certainly possible Houck rejoins the rotation at some point.

Houck (2-1) picked up the win Friday, allowing two hits and three walks while striking out four over three scoreless innings in a 3-1 victory over Baltimore.

A well-rested Houck piggy-backed on top of starter Rich Hill, who threw four perfect innings before giving up a hit to the first batter faced in the fifth and was removed with Boston holding a 3-0 lead. Houck, whose unvaccinated status caused him to miss two rotation turns, is expected to slip back into the rotation during the series against the Angels next week. With a day off coming, the right-hander's fifth day comes Wednesday.

Houck (personal) was activated from the restricted list and will pitch behind Rich Hill in a piggyback role Friday at Baltimore, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The 25-year-old is back on the active roster as expected Friday after being unable to travel for the four-game set in Toronto this week due to his status as an unvaccinated player. Houck won't immediately rejoin the starting rotation and will instead follow the veteran lefty Hill, who has yet to reach five innings or 80 pitches in an outing this season. The young righty has performed well over his first four outings (three starts) of the campaign with a 2.87 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 13:7 K:BB over 15.2 frames.

Houck (personal) will serve in a piggyback role behind Rich Hill during Friday's game against the Orioles, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Houck also served as a reliever Sunday against the Rays and struck out two in 1.2 perfect innings. While he'll pitch out of the bullpen once again Friday, it wouldn't be surprising to see him rejoin the rotation sometime next week.

Houck (personal) isn't listed as a starter during Boston's weekend series against the Orioles, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Houck is unvaccinated and was ineligible to pitch during the team's road trip to Toronto, and he won't start in any of the first three games after the Red Sox return to the United States. If the right-hander doesn't serve in a piggyback role against the Orioles, he'll likely draw a start against the Angels next week.

Houck was placed on the restricted list as expected Monday ahead of Boston's four-game series in Toronto, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Houck is unable to cross the border into Canada due to his decision not to vaccinate himself against COVID-19. Garrett Whitlock will make a spot start in his place Thursday, with Houck lining up to start during the weekend series against the Orioles.

Houck came on in relief and struck out two over 1.2 perfect innings in Sunday's 5-2 loss to the Rays.

Even though Houck tossed five innings in his third start of the season just two days earlier, the Red Sox made him available out of the bullpen Sunday in anticipation of the right-hander not being available for the team's four-game series in Toronto that begins Monday. Because Houck has confirmed that he's unvaccinated, he isn't eligible to cross the border into Canada and will be placed on the restricted list in advance of the four-game series. The Red Sox are expected to turn to Garrett Whitlock to make a spot start the next time Houck's turn in the rotation comes up Thursday, while the latter will have at least four days to rest up before potentially making his next start in Baltimore next weekend.

Houck (1-1) took the loss after giving up two runs on three hits across five innings during Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Blue Jays. He struck out four and walked one.

Houck tossed another solid game, but he took his first loss of the season after allowing two runs to the middle of Toronto's order in the top of the third inning. Over his last two appearances, the 25-year-old has allowed just two runs across 10.2 innings, but his 8:7 K:BB currently hinders his overall fantasy potential. He also is unavailable to pitch in Toronto, which means his next start isn't scheduled until Saturday, April 30 in Baltimore. Alex Speier of The Boston Globe speculates that Garrett Whitlock, who tossed 2.1 scoreless innings behind Houck in latter's most recent start Saturday against the Twins, could be stretched out enough to fill the temporary opening in the rotation while Boston is in Toronto next week.

Houck disclosed to the media Sunday that he's unvaccinated against COVID-19, meaning he won't be eligible to pitch during the Red Sox's upcoming series in Toronto that runs from April 25 through 28, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports. "I'm definitely bummed that I won't be able to make that start," Houck said, who would have been in line to take the hill for the April 26 game. "But the starts that I am able to make, I plan on giving 100 percent for this team, if not more, so."

Houck didn't suggest that he planned on changing his stance on vaccination prior to the series in Toronto, and manager Alex Cora confirmed that the right-handed pitcher is one of multiple players who will be absent for the four-game set due to the vaccine mandate in place in Canada, per Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald. Alex Speier of The Boston Globe speculates that Garrett Whitlock, who tossed 2.1 scoreless innings behind Houck in the latter's most recent start Saturday against the Twins, could be stretched out enough to fill the temporary opening in the rotation in Toronto. Before missing the Toronto series, Houck tentatively lines up to make his next turn Thursday versus the Blue Jays in Boston.

Houck (1-0) picked up the win Saturday, allowing two hits and three walks over 5.2 scoreless innings in a 4-0 victory over the Twins. He struck out four.

It was a much better performance than in his season debut, but Houck still had some trouble finding the plate as he issued three free passes for the second straight start, leaving him with a 7:6 K:BB through his first nine innings of 2022. The Red Sox are expecting big things from the 25-year-old, but so far he has yet to flash the dominance he displayed at times as a rookie.

Houck didn't factor into the decision during Sunday's 4-3 win against the Yankees, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks with three strikeouts in 3.1 innings.

Houck was tethered to two-run lead before he took the mound but surrendered baserunners in each of the first four innings that came around to score in the third and fourth. Finding the zone was an issue as only 57.7 percent of the 25-year-old's 78 pitches went for strikes, though Houck owns a respectable 1.08 WHIP across 86 innings in his career. The sophomore is looking to build on a strong rookie campaign and will look to get on track on Saturday against Minnesota at Fenway.

Houck allowed one run on five hits and struck out four over four innings in Wednesday's spring training game against Atlanta.

In his third Grapefruit League start, Houck had plenty of support early and helped himself by not walking batter. He entered the contest with eight walks over his first five spring innings. He promised to sort things out after the previous start, and the right-hander did that Wednesday. He'll have one more start to prepare for his regular-season debut, the third game of the season against the Yankees.

Houck allowed three runs on two hits and five walks while striking out four over 2.2 innings in Friday's spring training start against the Braves.

Houck was roughed up in his second Grapefruit League start and has walked eight over five spring innings. Despite the results, Houck did not sound too concerned when speaking with Ian Browne of MLB.com following the game. The right-hander stressed the importance of getting in the work over outcomes, and he developed a plan to work on the issues that led to the results. "Felt good. Obviously out of the stretch, I'm getting a little too rotational," Houck said. "I talked with [pitching coach Dave Bush] about it already. Get back in tomorrow and look at some video and just re-sort things out and make a game plan going forward with it." He's scheduled to start the third game of the regular season, a Sunday night primetime meeting with the Yankees in New York.

Houck allowed one run on one hit and three walks while striking out two over 2.2 innings in Sunday's spring-training game against the Orioles.

Houck allowed a home run to the second batter he faced, Ramon Urias, then walked three and could not get out of the third inning as planned. He described it to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com as knocking off the rust. "You can throw as many (live batting practices) and bullpens as you want but getting in the game situation is definitely a little bit different. First one's out of the way. I felt good. Mixed in all the pitches." Houck, who pitched as both a reliever and starter in 2021, received the news that he will open the season in the starting rotation. The right-hander will likely pitch the third game of the season, April 10, in primetime against the Yankees.

Manager Alex Cora indicated Sunday that Houck has all but guaranteed a spot in Boston's starting rotation to begin the season, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Cora said Houck wasn't a lock for the rotation at the start of spring training last week, but the young right-hander is apparently now a safe bet to open as a starter for Boston. The young right-hander started in 13 of 18 appearances last season and pitched well with a 3.52 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 87:21 K:BB across 69 innings.

Houck isn't a lock to be in the Opening Day rotation, but he is being stretched out this spring to help with innings early on, according to manager Alex Cora, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

This vague report is a good reminder that Boston already has five veteran starters on the roster, with Houck and Garrett Whitlock representing the team's young, high-upside alternatives. Houck's devastating fastball/slider combination should allow him to have success in any role, so he should retain value in deeper leagues regardless of whether he's a starter, swing man or reliever. However fantasy managers need to be aware that he may not operate as a traditional starter all season.

Houck (1-0) allowed one run on two hits and no walks while striking out five in five innings to earn the win against the Rays on Friday in Game 2 of the ALDS.

Houck entered Friday's contest after the Rays scored five runs in the bottom of the first inning, and the right-hander held Tampa Bay in check while helping to preserve the rest of Boston's bullpen. The right-hander has lasted at least five innings in two of his last three appearances, and he was rewarded with the first postseason win of his career in Game 2 on Friday.

Houck will start Saturday's game against the Nationals, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Houck has pitched out of the bullpen in each of his last three appearances, and he posted a 4.26 ERA and 1.42 WHIP in 6.1 innings during that time. He tossed two innings against the Orioles on Tuesday and will pitch on short rest in Sunday's matchup against Washington.

Houck will be available out of the bullpen as early as Saturday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Houck made his previous start Wednesday and gave up three runs on three hits with seven strikeouts and four walks over 4.1 innings, and he'll move to a relief role since the Red Sox won't require a fifth starter since Oct. 2, which is the penultimate game of the regular season. The 25-year-old has a 3.75 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 70:16 K:BB across 57.2 major-league innings this season, and he figures to play a significant role for Boston down the stretch, even though he's not expected to start.

Houck (0-4) allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits and three walks over 3.2 innings Friday, striking out one batter and taking a loss against the White Sox.

Most of the damage against Houck came in the third inning when he served up a three-run blast to Jose Abreu. He then allowed an RBI single to Luis Robert in the fourth before exiting the contest. The right-handed rookie had allowed three or fewer runs in each of his previous four outings and watched his season ERA climb to 3.54 after Friday's start. Houck is lined up to start in Seattle next week.

Houck allowed three hits with no walks and seven strikeouts through five scoreless innings, taking a no-decision in Saturday's 4-3 win over Cleveland.

The Cleveland scouting department has to be doing a double-take right now. After showing no semblance of command against Cleveland just six days ago (four walks issued, three hit batters), Houck was rock solid for the Red Sox through five innings on Saturday, throwing 69 percent of his pitches for strikes and conceding just a pair of singles and a double. The 25-year-old's velocity remained with him for the entire outing, as he retired the last nine batters he faced and hit 95 mph with his final pitch of the day. He is slated to pitch next Friday against the White Sox.

Houck took a no-decision versus Cleveland on Sunday. He allowed three runs on one hit, four walks and three hit batters while striking out three over 5.1 innings.

Usually, just about any number of one-hit innings can be considered good for a starter, but Houck put a lot of traffic on the basepaths without Cleveland having to do much. He still kept the home team off the board for five innings before a sloppy sixth. The 25-year-old saw his ERA rise slightly to 3.63 with a 1.21 WHIP and 55:12 K:BB across 44.2 innings. Since he had walked just eight batters through his first 10 appearances this year, it's safe to assume Sunday's start was a wild anomaly. He lines up for a home rematch versus Cleveland next weekend.

Houck allowed three earned runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out six across 4.2 innings Tuesday against the Twins. He did not factor into the decision.

Houck was recalled from Triple-A Worcester for the start, but his most recent outing in any professional game came with the Red Sox on Aug. 17. He wasn't particularly sharp, as he required 92 pitches to retire 14 batters and began only 11 of the 22 hitters he faced with a strike. Houck is expected to stick in the rotation moving forward, and the consistency in his role could help him work deeper into games as he's worked five innings only once in eight starts on the campaign. Houck has delivered high quality innings to this point, maintaining a 3.43 ERA with a 52:8 K:BB across 39.1 frames.

Houck was recalled Tuesday ahead of his scheduled start against the Twins, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Houck continues to be sent to the minors after each start as the Red Sox take advantage of the roster rules to effectively use a 27-man roster. It's possible he returns to Triple-A again after Tuesday's start, but he hasn't actually pitched at that level since July 10. He's been excellent in the majors this season, cruising to a 3.12 ERA in 34.2 innings while striking out 31.9 percent of opposing batters and walking just 4.9 percent. Jarren Duran was optioned to clear space for him on the roster.

The Red Sox are expected to recall Houck from Triple-A Worcester to start Tuesday's game against the Twins, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

As the only member of the Boston rotation that has minor-league options remaining, Houck has been sent back to Worcester after each of his last five starts with the big club strictly for roster-management purposes. With the Red Sox recently moving Garrett Richards and Martin Perez to the bullpen, Houck's spot in the rotation looks secure at this point, and the rookie should get a temporary reprieve from the repeated demotions after Tuesday's start. Boston's matchup Monday with the Rangers begins a stretch of 17 games in 17 days, which will leave the team with fewer loopholes through which to quickly move Houck on and off the active roster. Over 34.2 innings with the big club this season, the 25-year-old owns a 3.12 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 11.9 K/9.

Houck was optioned to Triple-A Worcester after Tuesday's doubleheader against the Yankees, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

The 25-year-old pitched Game 1 of Tuesday's twin bill and took a no-decision after giving up two runs over four innings, and he'll once again be moved off the big-league roster after a start. Houck has made his past six appearances for the Red Sox, but he's bounced between the majors and minors while the team takes advantage of the roster rules to maintain flexibility. He served as the 27th man for Tuesday's doubleheader, so he'll be eligible to rejoin the Red Sox without missing a turn through the rotation. Houck has a 3.12 ERA and 46:7 K:BB across 34.2 innings for Boston this season.

Houck didn't factor into the decision in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Yankees, allowing two runs on five hits over four innings as the Red Sox fell 5-3. He struck out two without walking a batter.

The rookie right-hander didn't pitch poorly and tossed 39 of 58 pitches for strikes before getting a fairly quick hook. but after Houck escaped trouble in the fourth inning of a 2-2 game, Boston manager Alex Cora took no chances and went to his bullpen. Unfortunately the move backfired, as Garrett Whitlock and Josh Taylor combined to cough up three runs in the fifth. Houck may not be done bouncing between the big-league roster and Triple-A, as the Red Sox have scheduled off days coming up Thursday and Monday, but when he does make his next start he'll take a 3.12 ERA and sharp 46:7 K:BB through 34.2 innings to the mound with him.

Houck was recalled as expected ahead of his scheduled start in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Yankees, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Houck keeps getting sent down between his starts, but that's merely a matter of the Red Sox taking advantage of roster construction rules to effectively have a 27-man roster. Houck is clearly an MLB-caliber pitcher, as evidenced by his 2.93 ERA, 34.9 percent strikeout rate and 5.6 percent walk rate across eight outings this season. The main knock on him is that he's averaged less than four innings per appearance, which has prevented him from earning a win, but he's been remarkable on a per-inning basis. Given that he's merely up as the extra man for the doubleheader, it's possible he gets demoted yet again following his start, but he hasn't pitched in the minors in over a month and is unlikely to do so any time soon.

Houck will return from Triple-A Worcester to start during Tuesday's doubleheader against the Yankees, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

It's hardly a surprise, as the young right-hander was once again demoted after his last start Thursday, which has now happened after each of his past three big-league starts while remaining a regular piece of the rotation. Houck figures to return to the minors again after starting in the twin bill as the Red Sox are likely to continue taking advantage of the roster rules. The 25-year-old has a 2.93 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 44:7 K:BB in 30.2 innings over eight major-league appearances this season.

Houck was optioned to Triple-A Worcester on Friday, though he's expected to return to pitch Tuesday against the Yankees, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The Red Sox have taken advantage of the league's roster rules to effectively use a 27-man roster in recent weeks, as Houck has now been optioned after each of his last three big-league starts but returned each time without making a minor-league appearance. He gave up a career-high four runs (three earned) in five innings in his latest outing Thursday against the Rays and was saddled with the loss, though it was far from a terrible performance, as he struck out eight batters while walking none. Alex Verdugo returned from the restricted list in a corresponding move.

Houck was recalled as expected ahead of his scheduled start Thursday against the Rays.

Houck's last four outings have all come at the big-league level, though he's been optioned and recalled twice during that stretch as the Red Sox take advantage of roster rules to effectively carry an extra player. Houck has been far too good in his limited MLB sample to deserve a demotion under normal circumstances, as he's cruised to a well-supported 2.45 ERA in 25.2 innings, striking out 36 while walking just seven. Phillips Valdez was optioned in a corresponding move.

The Red Sox are expected to recall Houck from Triple-A Worcester to start Thursday's game against the Rays, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Boston hasn't officially announced that Houck will slot back into the rotation for the series finale, but there's little doubt the team is keeping a spot open for the rookie after manager Alex Cora announced Wednesday that Garrett Richards would transition to a bullpen role moving forward. Though the Red Sox have taken advantage of Houck having minor-league options remaining by swapping him to and from the active roster based on their schedule, the contest movement from Worcester to Boston hasn't phased the right-hander. Through his seven outings (five starts) with the Red Sox this season, Houck has submitted a 2.45 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and a 36:7 K:BB in 25.2 innings.

Houck was returned to Triple-A Worcester following Saturday's game in Toronto, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

The 27th man in Saturday's doubleheader is removed from the active roster following his start. High pitch counts aside, Houck has undoubtedly been one of Boston's most effective starting pitchers since the All-Star break, so he figures to pitch again on regular rest for the scuffling Red Sox.

Houck allowed one run on three hits and two walks with six strikeouts through 3.2 innings, taking a no-decision in Saturday's 2-1 win over the Blue Jays.

Houck struck out four of the first five batters he faced Saturday night, but was bedeviled by a pitch count that got up to 74 through 3.2 innings. The only damage against his line came when Josh Taylor entered the game and gave up a single to Breyvic Valera that cashed one of Houck's runners. Even though the former Missouri Tiger has not gone deeper than the fifth in any of his five starts this season, he has struck out six or more batters in four of those five appearances. With Martin Perez's recent move to the bullpen and the struggles of Garrett Richards, Houck could feasibly stick around in the Boston rotation if he continues to pile up the punchouts. He could just as easily be jettisoned back to Triple-A Worcester to make room for a fresh arm after Saturday's double-header. Either way, his performances of late have given Alex Cora and crew a lot to think about.

Houck was recalled by the Red Sox ahead of his scheduled start in the second half of Saturday's doubleheader against the Blue Jays, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Houck will be up as merely the 27th man for the twin bill, so it's possible he returns to the minors at the end of the day. His last three outings have all come at the big-league level, however, and he's allowed just one earned run in 11.2 innings while striking out 18 batters over that stretch, so the Red Sox have plenty of reason to keep him around.

Manager Alex Cora said that Houck -- who was optioned to Triple-A Worcester on Thursday -- will be recalled next week to start one game of an Aug. 7 doubleheader in Toronto, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Cora acknowledged that the decision to demote Houck was strictly for the purposes of roster flexibility, as an upcoming off day will allow Boston to get by with a five-man rotation until the doubleheader contest. Houck made his fourth start of the season with the big club Wednesday, which also came during a doubleheader game with the Blue Jays. He limited Toronto to one run over four frames in a no-decision, lowering his ERA to 2.45 over 22 innings on the campaign.

The Red Sox optioned Houck to Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Following Wednesday's doubleheader, Boston needed to reduce its roster from 27 to 26 men for Thursday's series finale with Toronto, and Houck was the surprising casualty. After starting the second game of the twin bill and striking out seven over four innings of one-run ball, Houck's ERA now sits at 2.45 over 22 frames on the season. Since he's seemingly established himself as one of Boston's most-trusted staters, his demotion may have been strictly for roster-management purposes. Due to an off day Aug. 2, the Red Sox can get by with a four-man rotation until Aug. 7 in Toronto, when Houck will presumably be called up from Worcester to start one of the two doubleheader games scheduled for that day.

Houck allowed one run on two hits and a walk with seven strikeouts across four innings in Wednesday's no-decision against the Blue Jays.

Houck wasn't able to provide the Red Sox with much length due to his relatively high pitch count, but he limited Toronto's potent lineup to a Bo Bichette RBI single in the fourth inning. The 25-year-old Houck boasts an 18:4 K:BB over 11.2 innings in three July starts and is making a push to remain in Boston's rotation going forward. He boasts a 2.45 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 22 major-league innings overall this season.

Houck allowed an unearned run on two hits and two walks while striking out eight across 4.2 innings Thursday against the Yankees. He did not factor into the decision.

Houck mowed through the Yankees' lineup with little problem, racking up 19 called strikes and 10 swinging strikes across 87 total pitches. His outing was interrupted by a rain delay, though it's not clear how much deeper into the game he would have been allowed to work given his substantial pitch count. The outing was also Houck's longest of the season, and he could ultimately take the place of either Garrett Richards or Martin Perez in the rotation before season's end.

Houck will start Thursday's game against the Yankees, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Houck was initially slated to start Wednesday's series finale against the Blue Jays, but Garrett Richards will now take the mound after Tuesday's contest was postponed. However, the young right-hander will make his third big-league start of the year Thursday. Across four appearances (two starts) this season, he's posted a 3.38 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 13.1 innings.

Houck won't start Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

The young righty was expected to start Wednesday's series finale, but Garrett Richards will instead take the mound after Tuesday's contest was postponed. Houck should start again at some point for the Red Sox this season, though for now it appears he'll continue working out of the bullpen.

Houck earned a save in Friday's 4-0 win over the Yankees, pitching three scoreless innings. He allowed one hit and a walk while striking out three.

The right-hander dealt with a sore right flexor muscle at Triple-A Worcester for a month, but he worked as a starter prior to his call-up. Houck previously made three appearances (two starts) with the Red Sox in April, but it's expected he'll take on a versatile role while with the big club. The 25-year-old is tentatively scheduled to start Wednesday versus the Blue Jays. He has a 3.38 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 15:2 K:BB across 13.1 major-league innings this year.

Houck will likely start Wednesday against the Blue Jays, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Manager Alex Cora said that Houck will be available out of the bullpen for the team's current series against the Yankees, but he'll likely start on the road Wednesday. He'll likely return to the bullpen after the start as the Red Sox plan to utilize him in a versatile role, but the right-hander's availability as a starter certainly boosts his fantasy value going forward.

Houck was called up by Boston on Thursday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Houck has made five starts and one relief appearance for the Red Sox across last year and the early part of this season, cruising to a 1.98 ERA and a 30.6 percent strikeout rate over 27.1 innings of work. He missed over a month with elbow issues but has been back with Triple-A Worcester since mid-June, though his 5.14 ERA in six starts (none of which have lasted more than four innings) at that level is less than impressive. It's unclear what exactly Houck's role will be during his time with the team, as the Red Sox don't have an obvious hole in their rotation. He could be used as part of a six-man rotation or could pitch in a multi-inning role out of the bullpen.

The Red Sox plan to use Houck in an undefined role after the All-Star break, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Houck has been starting at Triple-A Worcester and could be used as a spot starter in the second half of July after working his way back from flexor muscle tightness. "He feels good. Everything went well in the last [start]," manager Alex Cora said. "As you guys know, he's going to be part of this at one point. How soon, we don't know yet but he's important for us and he will contribute." Since returning from the injury, Houck has a 3.07 ERA with 19 strikeouts and three walks over 14.2 innings for the WooSox.

Houck (elbow) checked out fine after his start for Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

Houck was only expected to throw two innings Thursday, but he wound up throwing 45 pitches across three scoreless innings. He allowed no hits and a walk while striking out six. The right-hander will continue to be monitored in the coming days, but he could continue to ramp up his workload going forward.

Houck (elbow) will throw an abbreviated two-inning start Thursday for Triple-A Worcester.

Houck is recovering from a flexor injury in his right arm, and his return is notable for a team that lacks starting depth in the upper minors. The right-hander has pitched for Boston, going 3-2 with a 1.98 ERA over six appearances the last two seasons.

Houck (elbow) got up and down during a bullpen session and will face hitters next, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Manager Alex Cora was pleased that Houck responded well to getting up and down during the bullpen session and has sketched out the next steps for the right-hander. Next up is facing batters followed by game action. Houck has not pitched in a game since May 4.

Houck (elbow) threw off a mound Tuesday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Houck has been dealing with a sore flexor muscle since early May, and Tuesday's throwing session marked the first time that he had thrown off a mound since he suffered the injury. The right-hander only threw fastballs during his bullpen session, but it was encouraging to see him make some progress in his recovery.

Red Sox pitching coach Dave Bush said Sunday that Houck (elbow) was cleared to resume his throwing program at Triple-A Worcester, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Houck, who is recovering from a sore right flexor muscle, is limited to throwing off flat ground for the time being, but Bush doesn't expect the 24-year-old to require much time to build back up for starting duty. Before being shut down with the injury earlier this month, Houck was viewed as the next man up to join the Boston rotation if the big club required another starter at any point.

Houck (arm) has started his throwing program, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

Houck has been dealing with a sore flexor muscle recently, but the injury was considered minor. It's not yet clear how long Houck's throwing program will last before he's able to return to the mound for Triple-A Worcester.

Houck (arm) is getting treatment for a sore flexor muscle, an injury the Red Sox feel is short term, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Houck was forced out of his start Tuesday for Triple-A Worcester, but manager Alex Cora indicated the injury is not a major one. "The training staff and everybody that I've talked to, they feel very comfortable that this is just something short-term," the manager said. Houck, who is considered Boston's top depth starter, has been shut down for an undetermined length of time.

The Red Sox announced Sunday that Houck has been temporarily shut down with a sore flexor muscle, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Houck picked up the injury in his first outing for Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday, when he worked three innings in a loss to Buffalo. The Red Sox believe the injury is only a short-term concern for Houck, who would be the next man up for a spot in the big-league rotation if Boston loses one of its five starters.

Houck was returned to the alternate training site after Sunday's doubleheader against the White Sox, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Houck was called up as the 27th man for Sunday's doubleheader and took the loss in the matinee against Chicago. Since the Red Sox don't have an opening in the starting rotation on a more permanent basis, Houck will now return to the team's alternate camp until a role opens up.

Houck (0-2) allowed three runs on six hits and struck out two over 4.1 innings, taking the loss in the first game of Sunday's doubleheader against the White Sox.

Houck was called up as the 27th man for the doubleheader and started the opener. He barely had time to settle in when Tim Anderson took the first pitch of the game out of the yard. Houck was serviceable after that and was victimized by some timely Chicago hitting. He's lost both of his starts but hasn't pitched poorly. Unfortunately, there are no openings in the rotation nor has any existing starter pitched himself out of a job. That means Houck is expected to head back to the alternate site.

The Red Sox recalled Houck from their alternate site ahead of Sunday's doubleheader against the White Sox.

Houck is slated to make his second start of the season in the first game of the twin bill, while Martin Perez takes the hill for Game 2. Boston is appointing Houck as its 27th man for the doubleheader, so he'll likely report back to the alternate site at the conclusion of Sunday's start.

Houck will be recalled from the alternate training site to start Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader against the White Sox, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The 24-year-old was originally a candidate to start Saturday's contest, but Friday's postponement resulted in a shift in the pitching schedule. It figures to be a spot start for Houck, but a strong showing Sunday could go a long way toward earning more starting chances later this season.

Houck could start Saturday at home against the White Sox, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Monday's postponement in Minnesota shift starters back a day, and there's no rostered starter that will be on scheduled to go Saturday. That leaves Houck as the most logical candidate for the start, although manager Alex Cora will wait on a decision. There is rain forecasted for Boston, which could be a factor in pitcher availability Saturday.

Houck may not be able to pitch in the doubleheader Wednesday against the Twins, as he threw in an alternate-site game against the Mets on Saturday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

The doubleheader could potentially have been an opportunity for Houck, who struck out eight while allowing just two earned runs in five innings in his first start of the season, to make another start, but the timing has unfortunately worked out poorly for him. He was optioned to the alternate site last Wednesday, and he can only return within 10 days either as the man for a doubleheader or to replace someone else who landed on the injured list. That means he couldn't make a spot start Thursday, either, unless someone gets hurt.

Houck was optioned to Boston's alternate training site Wednesday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Houck recently moved to the bullpen, and he'll sent to the team's alternate camp in Worcester. His removal from the 40-man roster will clear room for Eduardo Rodriguez (arm), who is expected to be activated from the injured list ahead of his scheduled start Thursday. Houck made two appearances (one start) to begin the year and allowed four runs (two earned) on seven hits and one walk while striking out 10 in six innings.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Houck would be available out of the bullpen for Tuesday's game against the Rays, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Houck's move to the bullpen foreshadows the likely return of Eduardo Rodriguez (dead arm), who is expected to be activated from the 10-day injured list to make a start in this weekend's series with Baltimore. The 24-year-old righty had previously filled Rodriguez's first turn through the rotation last week against the Orioles, taking a loss while covering five innings and giving up two earned runs while striking out eight. The strong outing leaves Houck as the next man up if a rotation spot opens up again at some point, but his stay in the big-league bullpen is expected to be a brief one. Cora intimated that Houck will likely be optioned to Triple-A Worcester at some point in the next few days.

Houck (0-1) picked up the loss Saturday against the Orioles despite striking out eight batters in five innings. He gave up three runs (two earned) on six hits and a walk.

Houck struck out a third of the batters he faced in his three-start debut last season abd beat that mark Saturday, posting a 36.3 percent strikeout rate. That wasn't enough to help his team to a win, however, as a two-out rally led to a pair of runs in the fourth inning before Anthony Santander singled in another in the fifth. It was an encouraging enough outing overall, but Houck is likely to be sent down soon, with Eduardo Rodriguez (arm) expected to be ready to take his next turn in the rotation.

Houck will head back to Triple-A Worcester once Eduardo Rodriguez (arm) is ready to return to the active roster, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Houck will take Rodriguez's turn through the rotation Saturday, but it could be his only start. Rodriguez threw three innings in a simulated game Friday and is talking about returning April 8. Even if it takes longer to return, manager Alex Cora has no plans to go with a six-man rotation, which would include Houck. "We're pitching him tomorrow, then obviously the circumstances will dictate what happens with him in the future. Just give him the ball tomorrow, go five or six (innings), do the things he did in the last (spring training outing) and we'll be happy with that."

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Houck would start Saturday's game against the Orioles, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

As anticipated, Houck will be part of the Opening Day rotation after a replacement was needed for Eduardo Rodriguez (dead arm), who was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday. Considering that Rodriguez is scheduled to pitch a simulated game at Triple-A Worcester on Friday, he wouldn't seem to be at risk at missing more than one or two turns through the rotation. Assuming that's the case, Houck's time with the big club will likely be short-lived.

Houck appears to be lined up to start the second game of the season Saturday against Baltimore, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Houck was optioned in mid-March, but the Red Sox may need a spot starter right away as Eduardo Rodriguez has been held back by arm fatigue. The team hasn't made a final decision about whether or not Rodriguez will open the year on the injured list, but they seem to be leaning that way. Houck makes for an interesting streaming option given that he'll be facing a weak offense and showed plenty of potential in his three-start debut last year, striking out 21 batters in 17 innings while allowing just one earned run.

Houck allowed two hits and one walk while striking out six over 4.1 scoreless innings in Monday's spring game against Atlanta.

Houck, who was optioned to minor-league camp two weeks ago, may have been motivated by the news that he could open the regular season in Boston's rotation. He's had encouraging outings, like Monday's, along with a pair of walk-fests in which he permitted nine free passes in 3.1 innings. Those command issues led to his demotion, but circumstances have changed for the young right-hander. Eduardo Rodriguez's dead arm scratched him from an Opening Day nod while projected starter Garrett Richards and swingman Matt Andriese are quarantining. Houck's start Monday puts him on schedule for Saturday if Richards is deemed unavailable.

Houck remains in contention to open the season as a member of the Red Sox rotation, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Houck appeared set to begin the season in the minors after he was optioned March 17, but the complexion of Boston's rotation has changed dramatically since then. Eduardo Rodriguez is working through a dead-arm phase that will prevent him from being available for Boston's season-opening series with the Orioles this weekend, while projected No. 3 starter Garrett Richards' status is uncertain while he's believed to be away from the team due to COVID-19-related concerns. Nathan Eovaldi and Martin Perez are scheduled to start two of the Red Sox's three games with Baltimore, but Houck -- who is pitching in Monday's Grapefruit League game against Atlanta -- is tentatively lined up to start Saturday versus the Orioles.

Houck was optioned to Boston's alternate training site Wednesday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Houck was competing for a back-end rotation spot during spring training, but manager Alex Cora named his five-man rotation Tuesday. Houck wasn't included among the starters, and he should begin the year with Triple-A Worcester. The right-hander made three appearances (one start) this spring and allowed six runs on six hits and 10 walks while striking out four over 6.1 innings.

Houck allowed three runs on three hits, four walks and a hit batsman while striking out one over 2.2 innings in Tuesday's game against Atlanta.

Houck's mission was to pound the strike zone as he did in his second spring start, but he walked two batters and hit one in the first inning. He has now sandwiched two shaky, command-challenged outings around a dominant start in Grapefruit League play. The right-hander has permitted 10 walks and hit a batter over 6.1 innings. Boston manager Alex Cora named his five-man rotation Tuesday, and Houck will not be part of it. He will likely start at Triple-A Worcester and work through the wildness.

Houck allowed one hit and one walk while striking out three over three scoreless innings in Wednesday's spring game against Atlanta.

Houck was overpowering Wednesday, a complete reversal of his first Grapefruit League outing in which he walked five and retired just two batters. His fastball routinely hit 96-97 MPH on the radar, per Ian Browne of MLB.com, well above the 92 he showed last season. "I saw him pitch last year, and I noticed he was 92, 93. With his movement, I thought that was good enough," said manager Alex Cora. "But now, you see 96, 97, it's eye-opening. Throwing strikes consistently and attacking the zone will be Houck's mission going forward. He's expected to start the season at Triple-A Worcester.

Houck allowed three runs on two hits and five walks in two-thirds of an inning in Thursday's spring game against Baltimore.

Houck, who made three promising starts at the end of 2020, is expected to open the season in the minors, but that didn't diminish the anticipation for his spring debut. Unfortunately, he was unable to lock into his delivery and was all over the place.

Red Sox pitching coach Dave Bush said Houck still needs to develop his splitter, which he introduced as a third pitch last season, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. "If he's going to be a consistent big-league starter over time, he's going to need a quality third pitch. He knows that and that's probably been on the top of the list," said Bush.

Houck dazzled in a three-start stint late last season, but Bush's comments suggest the right-hander will open the season at Triple-A Worcester. He threw a handful of splitters during his starts in 2020, relying heavily on the fastball-slider mix, so it makes sense for Boston to have him work on the pitch in the minors.

Houck is not guaranteed a starting role to begin the 2021 season, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

Houck was excellent to close the 2020 season in his big-league debut, as he allowed only one earned run across 17 innings in three starts. Despite that, he won't be guaranteed a spot in the rotation immediately for the 2021 campaign and instead will compete for the role with Martin Perez, Nick Pivetta, Matt Andriese and Garrett Whitlock.

Houck (3-0) allowed a run on three hits and three walks with 10 strikeouts over six innings in Saturday's win over Atlanta.

Houck turned in another good effort to close out his 2020 campaign. The only mistake he allowed was a solo home run to Dansby Swanson, which was the first homer Houck has allowed in his career. The 24-year-old righty allowed just two runs (one earned) over 17 innings across his first three major-league starts while striking out 21. The 24th overall pick from the 2017 draft could be a factor in the Red Sox rotation in 2021.

Houck (2-0) allowed one unearned run on one hit and three walks while striking out four over six innings Sunday as he earned the win against the Yankees.

Houck carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning Sunday, but he allowed the first extra-base hit of his career as Tyler Wade smacked a double with no outs in the top of the sixth. Wade was brought in as an unearned run later in the inning, but Houck limited the damage otherwise. The 24-year-old has been electric in his first two major-league appearances as he's allowed zero earned runs over 11 innings. He'll likely take the mound once more to finish the regular season, and that start should come on the road Saturday against Atlanta.

Houck (1-0) earned the win Tuesday at Miami after allowing two hits and three walks while recording seven strikeouts over five scoreless innings.

The 24-year-old's major-league debut could hardly have gone much better, as he kept the Marlins off the board and didn't give up an extra-base hit. Houck is all but assured to receive another start after and impressive first outing, and he lines up to pitch Sunday against the Yankees.

Houck had his contract selected and was added to the 28-man roster by the Red Sox on Tuesday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The 24-year-old is set to make his major-league debut Tuesday in Miami, and he's now officially on the active roster. Houck won't face any limitations and is expected to throw about 100 pitches, depending on his effectiveness. The right-hander made his way to Triple-A last season and posted a 3.24 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 27:14 K:BB across 25 innings, though he mostly worked as a reliever.

Houck will make his big-league debut as Boston's starter Tuesday in Miami, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

Houck is fully stretched out and capable of logging up to 100 pitches in his debut. He is not necessarily ready to have success in the big leagues, but Boston's rotation depth has been tested all season and they will turn to Houck in the rotation over the final two weeks. He lines up for two starts next week, with the second one coming at home against the Yankees. The 24-year-old righty is not on the 40-man roster, but would need to be added this offseason as protection from the Rule 5 draft, so the Red Sox will get to see how he looks against big-league hitters before finalizing the 40-man roster during the offseason. He logged a 3.24 ERA primarily as a reliever in 25 innings at Triple-A last year after logging a 4.25 ERA as a starter at Double-A.

Houck is likely to start Tuesday's game in Miami, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

He is not necessarily ready for the big leagues, but Boston's rotation depth has been tested all season and they are likely to turn to Houck, who is one of their notable pitching prospects, next week. The 24-year-old righty is not on the 40-man roster, but would need to be added this offseason as protection from the Rule 5 draft, so the Red Sox will get to see how he looks against big-league hitters before finalizing the 40-man roster during the offseason. He logged a 3.24 ERA primarily as a reliever in 25 innings at Triple-A last year after logging a 4.25 ERA as a starter at Double-A.