Despite rough spring, Tanner Houck belongs in the starting rotation

Photo via Boston Globe

Tanner Houck had a rough outing last Wednesday evening against the Twins. He gave up ten hits and eight earned runs in less than five innings of work. Along with giving up three home runs, his spring ERA ballooned to 8.31. One positive note from the start was his six strikeouts. His stuff was still creating a lot of swings and misses.

Is that rough spring outing a cause for concern in the starting rotation?

Houck is coming back from back surgery that ended his 2022 season early. A season where we watched Houck start games, piggyback starters like Rich Hill, come in as a reliever, and even close games. Houck has started in 126 of 175 games he has played in his college, minor, and major league career. A ton of consistency in his preparation as he knew when he would be getting the ball next.

Houck has a career 4.5 WAR so far in his major league career along with a 3.02 ERA. His K/9 is the highest it’s been at any level in the majors. The numbers point out that Houck has been an above average pitcher in the MLB since his debut so why not maximize the number of innings you get from him? Health has been a major factor for the pitching staff already this season and its only March. You want your five best guys in that rotation and right now Houck is one of them.

Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic wrote last week about Houck working on a new pitch in his outings this spring.

Jen McCaffrey @jcmccaffrey

Tanner Houck is on the mound today and likely will be working on his new pitch, a cutter. Pitching coach Dave Bush discussed what it takes - physically and mentally - for a pitcher to develop a new pitch

theathletic.comTanner Houck hoping expanded arsenal helps as he eyes Red Sox rotation spotA refined splitter and a new cutter give Houck the potential to pitch deeper into games.

The amount of work it takes to develop a pitch to an existing arsenal is a lot, and it shouldn’t be a surprise to see Houck’s spring numbers inflated a bit while trying to get his new pitch game ready.

Houck takes the ball for the final time this spring on Monday when the Red Sox take on the Braves. While we are looking for more control of the strike zone and better results, the 26-year-old should be in good shape once the regular season gets underway.

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