Tanner Houck to return to the Red Sox rotation
The Red Sox will get another key contributor from their pitching staff back just in time for their biggest series of the season against the Astros.
Tanner Houck will return to the Red Sox rotation on Tuesday for the second game of the four-game series against the Astros.
Houck was initially slated to return back to the Sox on Monday, but Alex Cora will have James Paxton start the series opener and give the righty an extra day of rest.
The 27-year-old will return after missing two months due to suffering a facial fracture from a line drive that required surgery back in June.
Houck made three rehab starts with the WooSox posting a2.08 ERA while striking out 10 batters in 8 2/3 innings. The right-handed hurler’s return to the Sox rotation will strengthen the pitching staff as they push for the postseason.
Boston has already welcomed Chris Sale and Garrett Whitlock off the injured list. Sale is in the rotation while Whitlock is in the bullpen pitching in high-leverage spots for Cora.
The Red Sox have not yet made an official roster move to add Houck back to the 26-man roster. Right-hander Mauricio Llovera is an option to be designated for assignment or the Sox could option lefty Chris Murphy back to Triple-A Worcetser. Murphy has been scuffling with the Sox of late, posting a 6.75 ERA over his last five appearances. The southpaw has given up 17 hits, 10 earned runs (11 runs) and walked seven in 13 1/3 innings pitched.
Prior to his injury, Houck posted a 5.05 ERA in 13 starts and the Sox are hoping he will provide potential in the rotation down the stretch.
“It’s huge for us,” Cora said Sunday. “Obviously, we’ve gonna have to make a move but I think finally, pitching staff-wise, we’re at full force. Is it late? We don’t know. But we’re in a good place now. These guys have thrown the ball well and the bullpen is gonna get better.”
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