| Date | News | Comment |
| Jun 28 2025 | Houck (elbow) is scheduled to make his third rehab appearance with Triple-A Worcester on Sunday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that Houck will work behind an opening pitcher Sunday, though the skipper was careful to note that the right-hander isn't being considered for a move to the bullpen and is expected to re-enter the rotation once he's activated from the 15-day injured list. The decision to use Houck behind an opener Sunday comes after he struggled in both of his first two rehab starts with Worcester, covering 2.2 innings between those outings while allowing five earned runs on five hits and three walks. Houck built up to 49 pitches in his most recent start Tuesday, so he'll likely need to complete an additional rehab appearance after Sunday before he's stretched out enough to slot back into the big-league rotation. When Houck is ready to return from the IL, the Red Sox could expand the rotation to six men, or Boston could keep a five-man setup in place by optioning rookie Richard Fitts to Triple-A or sending struggling right-hander Walker Buehler to the bullpen. |
|
| Jun 19 2025 | Houck (elbow) allowed one run on two hits and one walk over one-plus innings for Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck worked around a couple of singles for a scoreless first inning and was removed after walking the first batter faced in the second. He threw 32 pitches (18 strikes), and the short pitch count appears to have been by design. Houck told Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com that he was pain-free. He said his next rehab start will come Tuesday for the WooSox and that he'll then make a third the following Sunday. |
|
| Jun 13 2025 | Houck (elbow) is expected to begin a minor-league rehab assignment Wednesday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck threw a couple bullpen sessions this week and has been sidelined since throwing 69 pitches across 2.1 innings in a May 12 start against the Tigers. Prior to the injury, Houck (0-3) had been roughed up across nine starts, notching an 8.04 ERA and 32:17 K:BB while surrendering 10 home runs across 43.2 innings of work. |
|
| Jun 9 2025 | Houck (elbow) threw a bullpen session Saturday and is slated to throw another one later this week, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck has taken a step forward in his rehab after previously being limited to flat-ground work. The right-hander is working his way back from a right flexor pronator strain and will undoubtedly require a rehab assignment before rejoining the Red Sox. |
|
| Jun 7 2025 | Houck (elbow) has yet to throw off a mound, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck has been throwing for over two weeks but has yet to progress past playing catch. Given that he'll require a rehab assignment, he's likely to be sidelined until at least early July. |
|
| May 28 2025 | Houck (elbow) has continued his throwing program this week but is not yet considered close to beginning a rehab assignment, MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After being placed on the 15-day injured list May 14 due to a right flexor pronator strain, Houck was cleared to resume throwing late last week and will continue to work toward a rehab assignment. He's not expected to be ready to return from the IL until late June or early July, and it's unclear what sort of role he might fill for the Boston pitching staff once he's activated. Before getting shut down with the injury, Houck's spot in the rotation appeared to be in jeopardy after he turned in an 8.04 ERA, 1.69 WHIP and 32:17 K:BB in 43.2 innings through his first nine starts. |
|
| May 21 2025 | Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Wednesday that Houck (elbow) will begin a throwing program Friday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck landed on the 15-day injured list one week ago with a right flexor pronator strain but is nearly ready to ramp things up following a brief shutdown period. The Red Sox could choose to build up the right-hander slowly, especially given his struggles (8.04 ERA) prior to the injury. |
|
| May 18 2025 | Houck (elbow) was shut down from throwing Sunday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander landed on the injured list Wednesday due to a right flexor pronator strain, but he didn't appear to be in store for a lengthy absence after an MRI came back clean Friday. It's unclear if Houck suffered a setback since getting the imaging, but the pause in his throwing program likely means he'll spend more than the 15-day minimum on the shelf. |
|
| May 16 2025 | Houck had an MRI on his right elbow come back clean Friday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 28-year-old remains without a clear return timeline, but a clean MRI is encouraging news after he was placed on the injured list Thursday due to a right flexor pronator strain. Houck will be eligible to rejoin the active roster May 28, but it wouldn't be surprising if he requires a longer absence given the nature of the injury. |
|
| May 14 2025 | The Red Sox placed Houck on the 15-day injured list Wednesday, retroactive to Tuesday, with a right flexor pronator strain, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck was shelled for 11 runs in just 2.1 innings during his last start against Detroit on Monday, and his injury may have been a contributing factor to his poor performance. He'll now spend at least a couple of weeks on the shelf to ensure he gets back to 100 percent for his next outing; meanwhile, Cooper Criswell will come up from Triple-A Worcester to claim the open spot on the big-league roster, and potentially the Sox's rotation. |
|
| May 13 2025 | Manager Alex Cora said Tuesday that "as of now," Houck will make his next start Sunday against Atlanta, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It sounds like Cora is leaving the door open for Houck to not stay in the rotation after Houck gave up 11 earned runs Monday for the second time this season. If the team goes in another direction, Sean Newcomb or Cooper Criswell could be candidates for a spot start, as Walker Buehler (shoulder) is aiming to return next week. |
|
| May 12 2025 | Houck (0-3) allowed 11 runs on nine hits and three walks over 2.1 innings while taking a loss against the Tigers on Monday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck coughed up a two-run shot to Gleyber Torres in the first inning and then turned in a scoreless second frame. The third inning was a nightmare, as the Tigers would plate nine runs, including Trey Sweeney's three-run blast. Shockingly, Houck has allowed 11 earned runs twice this season and his ERA jumped from 6.10 to 8.04 after Monday's awful outing. He's delivered three quality starts in nine appearances this season but has failed to complete six innings in any of the other six starts. Still looking for his first win of 2025, Houck is expected to face Atlanta at home this weekend. |
|
| May 7 2025 | Houck did not factor into the decision against the Rangers on Thursday, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits and two walks while striking out two over 4.2 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck got through the first two innings with relative ease, but he proceeded to give up one run in each of the next three innings, highlighted by a solo home run from Adolis Garcia in the fourth frame. Houck generated eight whiffs on 89 pitches (55 strikes), but he wasn't able to make it out of the fifth inning for the third time this season. He has a 3.57 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 21:5 K:BB over 22.2 innings in his four starts since giving up 11 earned runs against the Rays on April 14. Houck is slated to start against the Tigers on the road next week, when he'll look to register his first win of the season. |
|
| May 1 2025 | Houck didn't factor into the decision Thursday against the Blue Jays after allowing one run on four hits and no walks in seven innings. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck's velocity was up Thursday, as he touched 97 mph on 10 of his sinker pitches, and it yielded perhaps his finest effort of the season thus far. It was the first time this year that the right-hander threw at least seven innings, and he didn't allow a runner to advance past first base until Daulton Varsho tagged him for a solo home run in the seventh frame. Houck is still recovering from a 12-run bludgeoning at the hands of the Rays on April 14, as evidenced by his bloated 6.38 ERA and 1.47 WHIP across 36 innings in 2025, but he has a 30:12 K:BB over seven starts and appears to be trending up ahead of a scheduled home matchup versus an underperforming Rangers lineup. |
|
| Apr 20 2025 | Houck did not factor into the decision in Sunday's 8-4 loss to the White Sox, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks with seven strikeouts over six innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck gave up a two-run homer in the first inning but rebounded with five scoreless frames. He exited with a 4-2 lead that the bullpen quickly squandered, though it was still an encouraging bounce-back effort after the 28-year-old was tagged for 12 runs (11 earned) Monday. He'll carry a 7.66 ERA, 1.66 WHIP and 18:11 K:BB across 24.2 innings into a road matchup with the Guardians next weekend. |
|
| Apr 14 2025 | Houck (0-2) took the loss Monday against the Rays, allowing 12 runs (11 earned) on 10 hits and two walks over 2.1 innings with one strikeout. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Boston right-hander yielded a career-worst 11 earned runs in this outing as the Tampa lineup swatted two homers and eight singles. Houck lasted only 61 pitches and raised his ERA from 4.41 to 9.16. Houck is off to a rough start in 2025, as he also sports a 1.93 WHIP and 11:9 K:BB across 18.2 innings. He is currently scheduled to make his next start against White Sox at home this weekend. |
|
| Apr 9 2025 | Houck did not factor into the decision in Wednesday's 2-1 extra-innings loss to Toronto. He allowed one run on five hits and two walks while striking out two across 6.2 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck gave up his lone run in the first inning on a Will Wagner groundout that brought Vladimir Guerrero home, but Houck did not yield another run over the rest of his outing and came away with his first quality start of of the year. The 28-year-old right-hander logged a career-best 154 strikeouts in 2024, but he's punched out only 10 batters across three outings to start the season. Houck's next start is slated to take place next week on the road against Tampa Bay, when he'll look to earn his first win of 2025. |
|
| Apr 3 2025 | Houck did not factor into the decision in Thursday's 8-4 win over Baltimore, allowing three runs on five hits and two walks over four innings. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While Houck was staked to a 4-1 lead after two innings, the right-hander failed to qualify for a win after needing 82 pitches to make it through four frames. It's been a shaky start to the year for Houck, who's now given up seven runs across 9.2 innings in his first two outings. He'll look to get on track in his next start, currently lined up for next week at home against the Blue Jays. |
|
| Mar 29 2025 | Houck (0-1) took the loss Friday versus the Rangers, surrendering four earned runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out two batters in 5.2 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck finished the spring schedule with 17 earned runs allowed in 13.2 innings and did little to turn the tide during his first regular-season outing. He managed to keep Texas off the scoreboard through the first two innings, but an early home run from Jonah Heim put him in an early hole. Boston's offense quickly responded with a run of their own, but another round-tripper from Heim in the fifth put the Rangers back in front for good. It doesn't seem like things are about to get any easier for Houck, as he's lined up to face a Baltimore offense during his next start that's already slugged seven home runs through its first two games. |
|
| Mar 23 2025 | Houck allowed 10 runs on 12 hits and two walks while striking out two over 3.2 innings in Saturday's spring start against the Rays. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck's final Grapefruit League outing finishes off what has been a rough spring training for Boston's No. 2 starter. He'll leave Florida with an 11.20 ERA, 29 hits allowed, five walks and seven strikeouts over 13.2 innings. The one positive note coming out of Saturday is that he threw 85 pitches and is ready to start the second game of the season Friday against the Rangers. |
|
| Mar 18 2025 | Houck allowed two unearned runs on six hits while striking out three over 4.1 innings in Monday's Grapefruit League start against Baltimore. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck made his third start of what has been a rocky Grapefruit League stint. The right-hander has allowed 17 hits and three walks while striking out five over 10 spring innings (6.30 ERA). That he got a fifth up-and-down and threw 72 pitches is a positive sign for Houck, who was Boston's most dependable starter from April to October of 2024. Once considered to start Opening Day, those plans changed after Boston acquired Garrett Crochet during the offseason. Houck is scheduled to work the second game of the season, March 28, behind the surging Crochet (one run allowed, 10.1 spring innings), who will start the first game of the regular season. |
|
| Mar 13 2025 | Houck allowed five runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out two over 2.2 innings in Wednesday's Grapefruit League start against Minnesota. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This was just Houck's second Grapefruit League outing and first in 11 days. He threw 62 pitches but just 30 for strikes. From a pitch-count standpoint, he's on scheduled to be ready for the first turn of the rotation in the regular season. |
|
| Feb 26 2025 | Houck is taking measures to avoid the shoulder fatigue that led to a velocity dip in the second half of 2024, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Even with the second-half dip, Houck took a step forward overall in 2024. His 30 starts and 178 innings were career highs and a building block for 2025. Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Monday that the velocity dip led to a lack of separation on pitches, but the shoulder issue can be rectified by mechanical tweaks. The manager added that Houck is working with coaches on a few pitches, including a four-seamer that can create space for Houck's other offerings. The right-hander threw just one four-seamer in 2024. |
|
| Feb 24 2025 | Houck threw indoors to make up for the innings he lost due to Monday's game against the Yankees getting postponed, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck will build up his workload in an unofficial setting Monday rather than try to make up the innings Tuesday. The 28-year-old righty logged a career-high 178.2 innings in 2024, and his 55.9 percent groundball rate was the fifth-best mark among qualified starters. |
|
| Jan 9 2025 | Houck agreed to a one-year, $3.95 million contract with the Red Sox on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After logging a 5.01 ERA in 2023, Houck bounced back with a 3.12 ERA and 1.14 WHIP last season while also posting a 154:48 K:BB over 178.2 frames. His improvement will earn him a $3.18 million raise in his first year of arbitration eligibility, and the 28-year-old righty is expected to follow new acquisition Garrett Crochet atop the Red Sox's rotation. |
|
| Nov 12 2024 | Houck is "always open" to discussing a contract extension with the Red Sox, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck is eligible for salary arbitration for the first time this offseason and is under team control through 2027, so it's not clear how much of a priority he is for the team to lock up on a long-term deal. The 28-year-old is coming off a terrific 2024 campaign, having collected a 3.12 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 154:48 K:BB over 178.2 frames covering 30 starts. |
|
| Sep 23 2024 | Houck (9-10) earned the win Monday, allowing one hit and one walk across five scoreless innings against the Blue Jays. He did not record a strikeout. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck was efficient Monday, needing just 57 pitches to complete five frames while allowing only two Blue Jays to reach base. It was the first performance this season where Houck, who came into the game recording a career-low 8.0 K/9, did not record a strikeout. The Red Sox have been careful with Houck, who has been held to 60 and 57 pitches over his last two starts since missing two weeks with shoulder fatigue. The righty has performed as Boston's best starter this season, posting a 3.12 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 154 strikeouts across 178.2 innings. He is in line to make one more turn in the rotation this season at home against Tampa, assuming the Red Sox decide to run him out there. |
|
| Sep 18 2024 | Houck allowed one run on four hits and no walks while striking out four batters over four innings in a no-decision against Tampa Bay on Wednesday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck was cleared to start for the first time in two weeks following a bout of right shoulder fatigue, but the Red Sox elected to treat him with caution and pull him after 60 pitches despite an effective performance. The right-hander had good control in throwing 70 percent of his pitches for strikes, and he yielded just a second-inning run. If he came out of the outing without any setbacks, Houck could have a longer leash in his next start, which lines up to come in Toronto next week. |
|
| Sep 17 2024 | Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Tuesday that there's a "big chance" Houck (shoulder) will start Wednesday's game against the Rays, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 28-year-old was scratched from his scheduled start Friday versus the Yankees after receiving extra rest between outings in order to combat a "dead arm" phase, but he's now on the cusp of making his first start since Sept. 5. Assuming Houck pitches Tuesday as indicated by Cora, the right-hander could have some workload limitations while making his first start in two weeks. |
|
| Sep 13 2024 | Houck (arm) was scratched from his scheduled start Friday versus the Yankees due to right shoulder fatigue, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck was scheduled to pitch Friday on eight days of rest in order to combat what manager Alex Cora labeled a "dead arm" phase, but it appears the 28-year-old righty will need even more time between starts. Richard Fitts will fill in as Houck's replacement on the mound Friday. |
|
| Sep 10 2024 | Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Tuesday that Houck (arm) remains tentatively lined up to make his next start Friday against the Yankees, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cora also provided more specifics on what caused Houck to be pushed back, noting that the pitcher is basically going through a "dead arm" phase during which he had trouble bouncing back from his last outing. It sounds like Houck starting Friday in the Bronx isn't set in stone, so his fantasy managers should have a contingency plan in place, if possible. |
|
| Sep 8 2024 | Houck isn't expected to make his next start until Friday against the Yankees in New York after manager Alex Cora said Saturday that the right-hander will be pushed to the back of the Red Sox's pitching schedule, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Red Sox want to build in some more rest for Houck in advance of his next start while the 28-year-old has largely struggled since the All-Star break. In his nine outings in the second half, Houck has turned in four quality starts while pitching to a 4.78 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 38:21 K:BB over 52.2 innings. In order to facilitate the extended break for Houck, the Red Sox will call up a pitcher from the minors to start Sunday's series finale versus the White Sox, while rotation members Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, Nick Pivetta and Cooper Criswell all appear set to make their next turns before Houck takes the hill again. |
|
| Sep 5 2024 | Houck (8-10) took the loss Wednesday, giving up four runs on five hits and a walk over five innings as the Red Sox fell 8-3 to the Mets. He struck out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander came out flat, loading the bases before recording his first out and then serving up a grand slam to Jesse Winker. Houck shook it off and didn't allow another run, but Boston couldn't climb out of the early hole. It's the first time in a month that Houck wasn't able to last at least six innings, a five-start stretch in which he'd posted a 3.23 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 20:11 K:BB through 30.2 innings, but he remains winless in nine outings since the All-Star break. Houck will look for a better result in his next start, which lines up to come at home early next week against the Orioles. |
|
| Aug 30 2024 | Houck allowed three hits and two walks over six scoreless innings in a no-decision Friday against the Tigers. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After allowing six runs in a loss to Arizona in his last start, Houck bounced back with a scoreless effort, notching his fourth quality start in his last five outings. Overall, the 28-year-old Houck is 8-9 on the year with a 3.12 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 143:46 K:BB across innings this season. He's currently lined up to face the Mets on the road next week in his next start. |
|
| Aug 25 2024 | Houck (8-9) took the loss Sunday against Arizona, allowing six runs on seven hits and four walks across six innings. He struck out two. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck's streak of three straight quality starts came to an end Sunday, surrendering six runs for the third time this season - all of which have come in his last 10 starts. During that stretch, Houck has walked three or more batters six times. He's also logged three or fewer strikeouts six times after having done so just once in his first 16 appearances. The right-hander's ERA sits at 3.23 after 158.2 innings pitched. He's tentatively scheduled to face the Tigers in Detroit next time out. |
|
| Aug 19 2024 | Houck allowed three runs (two earned) on eight hits and no walks while striking out eight batters over six innings in a no-decision against Houston on Monday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck held the Astros scoreless until the fourth inning, when he allowed a pair of runs (one of which was unearned). The right-hander surrendered another run in the sixth but was able to complete that frame for his third consecutive quality start. Houck departed in line for the win, but a late Astros rally stuck him with a no-decision. He hasn't picked up a victory in any of his past six outings despite notching four quality starts in that span. |
|
| Aug 15 2024 | Houck came away with a no-decision in Wednesday's 9-7 extra-inning loss to the Rangers, giving up two runs on six hits and two walks over 6.2 innings. He struck out three. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander left the mound after 108 pitches (64 strikes) with a 4-2 lead, but the Boston bullpen cost Houck his ninth win of the season. Instead, he had to settle for his 17th quality start, tying him with Luis Castillo, Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans and Zack Wheeler for fourth in the majors. While he's still giving the Red Sox some length in the rotation, Houck's overall performance had faded as the summer has worn on, and since the beginning of July he's posted a 3.92 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and poor 22:21 K:BB through 39 innings. He lines up to make his next start on the road early next week in Houston. |
|
| Aug 9 2024 | Houck did not factor into the decision in Friday's 8-4 loss to the Astros, allowing one run on four hits and three walks with one strikeout over six innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck allowed a run in the first inning but rebounded for five scoreless frames before departing with a 3-1 lead that the bullpen couldn't preserve. He generated only two swinging strikes on 82 pitches but also limited the Astros to four hard-hit balls. The 28-year-old's command remains worth monitoring, as he has posted a 19:19 K:BB in six starts between July and August. On the year, he owns a 3.02 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 124:38 K:BB across 140 innings and lines up to face the Orioles next week. |
|
| Aug 4 2024 | Houck (8-8) took the loss Saturday, coughing up six runs on eight hits and two walks over five-plus innings as the Red Sox fell 7-4 to the Rangers. He struck out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander appeared to be firmly in control to begin the game, blanking Texas through three innings, but the wheels came off for Houck in the fourth as Jonah Heim and Leody Taveras launched back-to-back homers off him. It's only the second time this season Houck has served up multiple homers in a start, but Saturday's outing marked the fifth straight in which he issued multiple free passes, and he sports a rough 4.78 ERA, 1.63 WHIP and 18:16 K:BB through 26.1 innings over that stretch. He'll try to turn things around in his next outing, which is scheduled to come at home next weekend against the Astros. |
|
| Jul 29 2024 | Houck (8-7) took the loss Sunday against the Yankees, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits and four walks while striking out two in six innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Yankees jumped on Houck early with three runs in the first frame and tacked on another in the fourth. Houck gave up four of his five hits in the opening inning and then settled in for his third straight outing reaching six innings. Despite attaining this mark, Houck has shown some regression with his command, posting an 11:14 K:BB in 21.1 innings in July. He's struck out two or fewer batters in three of his last four starts after only having done that once in his first 17 starts of the year. Despite all of this, Houck is still eighth in baseball with a 2.79 ERA to go with a 1.11 WHIP and 116:33 K:BB in 129 innings. He lines up to face the Rangers on the road over the weekend his next time out. |
|
| Jul 23 2024 | Houck allowed four runs on 10 hits and three walks over six innings in a no-decision Monday. He struck out two during the extra-innings loss against the Rockies. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Colorado scored all four runs against Houck during the third inning, starting with a two-run shot by Charlie Blackmon. It was the second time Houck gave up double-digit hits this season and first since April 12. Despite the poor outing, he still owns an impressive 2.71 ERA with a 114:29 K:BB through 123 innings this season. Houck's been less efficient as of late, posting a 4.50 ERA with a lackluster 25:14 K:BB over his last six outings. His next start is lined up to be at home against the Yankees. |
|
| Jul 11 2024 | Houck (8-6) earned the win over the Athletics on Thursday, allowing two hits and issuing three walks while striking out six batters over six scoreless innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The A's managed just two hits (both singles) off Houck and didn't get a runner to second base until the sixth frame. Houck was pulled after that inning having thrown 103 pitches and having recorded his 14th quality start of the campaign -- tied for fourth-most in the majors. The right-hander also ranks fifth among qualified pitchers with a 2.54 ERA and 13th with a 1.03 WHIP. |
|
| Jul 6 2024 | Houck came away with a no-decision in Friday's 5-3 extra-inning win over the Yankees, giving up three runs (one earned) on two hits and four walks over 3.1 innings. He struck out one. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander was looking sharp early, but a 38-minute rain delay in the middle of the third inning caused Houck to lose his focus, and he fell apart completely in the fourth. He's winless in his last four starts, stumbling to a 5.40 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 17:8 K:BB through 20 innings over that stretch, but he figures to bounce back in his next outing, which lines up to come at home next week against Oakland. |
|
| Jun 29 2024 | Houck (7-6) took the loss Saturday, coughing up eight runs (seven earned) on nine hits -- including three home runs -- and a walk over 4.1 innings as the Red Sox were routed 11-1 by the Padres. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manny Machado took him deep twice, while Jackson Merrill also chipped in a long ball. Houck had served up only two homers all season coming into Saturday, and even with this performance, the right-hander sports a 2.67 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 105:19 K:BB through 107.2 innings on the season. He'll try to keep the ball in the park in his next start, but that could be easier said than done as he faces the Yankees on the road next weekend. |
|
| Jun 24 2024 | Houck allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits and a walk over 6.2 innings in a no-decision Monday. He struck out seven during the win against the Blue Jays. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck gave up just one run through six frames before the Blue Jays put two more runs on his final line during their five-run seventh inning. He's produced six quality starts in his last seven outings, giving him 13 through 16 total starts. Houck owns a terrific 2.18 ERA with a 101:18 K:BB through 103.1 frames. His next start is projected to be at home against the Padres. |
|
| Jun 19 2024 | Houck didn't factor into the decision Tuesday against Toronto, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits and two walks across 5.2 innings. He struck out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck ended up one out shy of a sixth consecutive quality start, getting pulled at 103 pitches after yielding an RBI single to Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Houck has struck out five or more batters in seven straight starts and owns a 4-2 record with a 2.17 ERA across 45.2 innings during that stretch. He's scheduled to close out a two-start week Sunday at Cincinnati. |
|
| Jun 13 2024 | Houck (7-5) earned the win against the Phillies on Thursday, allowing three runs on eight hits and no walks with five strikeouts over six innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck tossed three scoreless innings then loaded the bases and surrendered a three-run double to Kyle Schwarber in a rough fourth. He rebounded with two more scoreless frames to earn his fifth straight quality start and received plenty of offensive support, as the Red Sox tagged Aaron Nola for eight runs. Houck has now allowed three or fewer earned runs in 13 of 14 starts and has been one of baseball's biggest breakouts so far in 2024. On the season, he owns a 2.08 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 89:15 K:BB in 91 innings and lines up to start next Tuesday against the Blue Jays. |
|
| Jun 6 2024 | Houck (6-5) allowed two runs on three hits and struck out nine over seven innings to earn the win Thursday over the White Sox. He did not issue a walk. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck carried a no-hitter through five innings, though the White Sox managed to tag him for one run in each of the sixth and seventh frames. The right-hander remains dialed in, having allowed just four runs over 27 innings across his last four starts. Houck is at a 1.91 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 84:15 K:BB over 85 innings through 13 starts this season. His next start is projected to be a challenging one at home versus the Phillies. |
|
| Jun 1 2024 | Houck (5-5) picked up the win Friday, allowing one run on three hits and two walks over seven innings in a 7-3 victory over the Tigers. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old right-hander generated 30 called or swinging strikes among his 95 pitches as he delivered his third straight quality start and 10th in 12 trips to the mound this season. Houck is having a breakout campaign, and he'll take a 1.85 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 75:15 K:BB through 78 innings into his next outing, which is scheduled to come on the road next week against the White Sox. |
|
| May 26 2024 | Houck did not factor into the decision Sunday against Milwaukee, allowing one earned run on seven hits and one walk through six innings. He struck out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck was excellent yet again, marking his third consecutive start allowing one earned run or fewer. The 27-year-old has not allowed a home run since April 12, and his microscopic 0.14 HR/9 leads the league. Houck (4-5) now owns a 1.90 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in 71 innings this year. He is tentatively scheduled for a home start against Detroit next weekend. |
|
| May 20 2024 | Houck (4-5) yielded two hits and a walk over seven shutout frames Monday, striking out five and earning a win over Tampa Bay. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck was terrific Monday and didn't let any baserunners reach scoring position. It was his fourth scoreless start of the year, dropping his season ERA to 1.94 through 65 frames. Houck entered Monday's start on a four-game losing streak over his previous five starts. However, he registered an impressive 2.87 ERA during that span. Houck's next start is projected to be at home against the Brewers this weekend. |
|
| May 15 2024 | Houck (3-5) took the loss against Tampa Bay on Wednesday, allowing three runs (one earned) on five hits and three walks while striking out seven batters over 5.2 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck made it through three scoreless frames before giving up an unearned run in the fourth. The right-hander had a 2-1 lead when he exited with two outs and two runners on base in the sixth, but Greg Weissert gave up consecutive hits in relief to saddle Houck with two more runs (only one of which was earned) along with the loss. Despite the defeat, Houck gave Boston a solid chunk of innings again -- he's completed at least 5.2 frames in each of his nine outings this season. He's pitched much better than his 3-5 record suggests with a 2.17 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 57:11 K:BB through 58 innings. |
|
| May 11 2024 | Houck (3-4) took the loss Friday as the Red Sox fell 5-1 to the Nationals, giving up three runs on six hits and a walk over seven innings. He struck out four. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander pitched well and gave Boston another quality start, Houck's fifth straight and seventh in eight outings this season, but his offense let him down. Houck will carry a 2.24 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 50:8 K:BB through 52.1 innings into his next start, which lines up to come at home next week against the Rays. |
|
| May 6 2024 | MLB changed the official scoring on a play during Friday's game, which left Houck charged with three earned runs over six-plus innings, not four, Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A fielder's choice in the seventh inning was updated to a throwing error by catcher Reese McGuire. The ruling drops Houck's season ERA to 1.99 and gives him a sixth quality start. |
|
| May 3 2024 | Houck (3-3) allowed four runs on six hits and two walks over six-plus innings Friday, striking out five and taking a loss against Minnesota. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck gave up just one run through six frames before stumbling in the seventh. He allowed three straight runners to reach base without recording an out and was eventually charged with all three runs. He matched his season high with four runs allowed; in his other five starts this year, Houck has given up just three total runs through 33.2 innings. On top of that, he tied his season low by generating only six swinging strikes. Houck will carry a 2.18 ERA into his next outing, which is lined up to be at home against the Nationals next week. |
|
| Apr 29 2024 | Houck didn't factor into the decision in Sunday's 5-4 win over the Cubs, allowing one run on four hits and zero walks while striking out nine over 6.2 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck kept the Cubs off the scoreboard until Matt Mervis scratched an RBI-single off him with two outs in the seventh, which wound up being the last batter he faced. Sunday was already his third start this season with at least nine strikeouts and zero walks. The 28-year-old boasts a 1.60 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 41:5 K:BB in 39.1 innings and projects for a road start against the Twins his next time out. |
|
| Apr 23 2024 | Houck (3-2) took the loss Tuesday against the Guardians, allowing two runs on five hits and three walks over six innings. He struck out four. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After twirling a complete-game shutout in his last start against Cleveland, Houck picked up where he left off, blanking the Guardians through six innings. However, he'd allow the first three batters to reach safely in the seventh, as Houck would ultimately be charged with two runs and the loss. Still, it's been an excellent start to the campaign for the 27-year-old Houck -- he has a sparkling 1.65 ERA with a 0.98 WHIP and 32:5 K:BB through his first five starts (32.2 innings). Houck's currently lined up for a two-start week -- he's slated to face the Cubs at home Sunday. |
|
| Apr 17 2024 | Houck (3-1) earned the win Wednesday, allowing three hits and no walks with nine strikeouts over nine scoreless innings against Cleveland. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck was absurdly efficient in his first-career complete-game shutout, needing just 94 pitches (69 strikes) to finish nine frames. He hasn't allowed a run in three of his four starts this season and has punched out seven or more in all but one start. He boasts a 1.35 ERA with a 28:2 K:BB over 26.2 innings in 2024, a massive jump from his 5.01 ERA from a season ago. Houck is tentatively scheduled for a rematch with the Guardians on Tuesday. |
|
| Apr 12 2024 | Houck (2-1) took the loss Friday against the Angels, allowing seven runs (four earned) on 12 hits over 5.2 innings. He struck out two. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After blanking Anaheim through six innings in his last start, Houck faced a very different result the second time around. The Red Sox defense didn't do him any favors either, committing three errors in the contest, as the right-hander took his first loss of the season. Still, it's been a solid start to the year for Houck -- he now sports a 2.04 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP and 19:2 K:BB through his first three starts (17.2 innings). Houck will look to get back in the win column in his next outing, currently scheduled for next week against the Guardians. |
|
| Apr 7 2024 | Houck (2-0) allowed four hits and two walks over six shutout frames Sunday, striking out seven and earning a win over the Angels. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck was dominant Sunday, allowing just one extra-base hit and, at one point, retiring 10 consecutive Angels. He's started the season with 12 shutout frames and a terrific 17:2 K:BB in two starts. Houck posted an 8.4 K/9 in both 2022 and 2023 but he's seemingly tapped back into the strikeout potential he displayed earlier in his MLB career. The 27-year-old is projected for a rematch with the Angels at home next weekend. |
|
| Apr 1 2024 | Houck (1-0) picked up the win Monday against Oakland, tossing six scoreless innings on three hits and no walks. He struck out 10. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck was excellent in his 2024 debut -- albeit against the A's at the hitter-friendly Oakland Coliseum -- matching his career high in strikeouts that was set against Atlanta in 2020. Despite the soft matchup fantasy managers should be optimistic about Houck's fantasy outlook after he generated a 2.40 ERA in 15 innings of spring ball. He'll likely cap off a two-start week Sunday against the Angels. |
|
| Mar 22 2024 | Houck has made the Red Sox's Opening Day rotation, Chad Jennings of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Alex Cora has settled on Houck and Garrett Whitlock for the final two spots in his rotation. Houck has been arguably the club's best starter this spring, having posted a 2.40 ERA and 16:3 K:BB over 15 frames. The 27-year-old has always had trouble with left-handed batters, so he will likely have to show improvement in that regard if he wants to keep a rotation spot all season. |
|
| Mar 13 2024 | Houck allowed one run on two hits while striking out three over 3.1 innings in Tuesday's spring game against St. Louis. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck pitched the middle innings in what amounted to his fourth starter-length appearance; he's actually started one game and pitched middle innings in three others. There were some issues Tuesday, such as hitting a batter, spiking a pitch and leaving a pitch middle-middle that was crushed for a home run, but the right-hander didn't walk a batter. Throwing strikes consistently has been the focus this spring for Houck, who appears to have pitched well enough to claim a spot in the rotation. Through 11.1 Grapefruit League innings, the right-hander has given up two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out 12. |
|
| Mar 8 2024 | Houck allowed one run on three hits and one walk while striking out four over three innings in Thursday's spring game against Atlanta. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck followed starter Nick Pivetta and looked sharp during his third Grapefruit League appearance. "He's throwing more strikes, which is important," Red Sox manager Alex Cora told Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe. "His stuff is a little bit better compared to last year at this point." Houck, who had a 21.4 strikeout percentage in 2023, is up to 31.0 percent this spring. He had been competing for one available rotation slot, but with Lucas Giolito (elbow) out of the rotation for now, there's another slot available for Houck, who is competing with Garrett Whitlock, Josh Winckowski and Cooper Criswell. |
|
| Mar 3 2024 | Houck allowed one hit and one walk while striking out five over three scoreless innings in Saturday's spring game against the Nationals. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck followed starter Brayan Bello and easily navigated the fourth through sixth innings. This was his second Grapefruit League outing; he pitched two perfect innings in a start last Monday. So far, so good for Houck, who's thrown five scoreless frames in his competition with Garrett Whitlock and Josh Winckowski for the final rotation spot. |
|
| Feb 27 2024 | Houck threw two scoreless innings in Monday's Grapefruit League start against the Phillies. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck induced three groundouts, two infield pop flies and one line-drive out over two perfect innings. The performance was a good first step toward securing the final spot in the rotation. "We played good defense behind him," Boston manager Alex Cora told Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe following the game. "That's what it's going to take with him. He can pound that sinker down to righties and we have to make plays." Houck is healthier than he was last spring, when he came off back surgery. He's in the mix for the last rotation spot along with Garrett Whitlock, and to a lesser extent, Josh Winckowski. In reality, Boston may need more than five starters early in a schedule that has them playing 23 of 25 days in five cities. The Red Sox are not expected to deploy a six-man rotation, but an extra starter could be needed during April depending on how hard the rotation works. Both Houck and Whitlock will be built up to five-plus innings, so they'll be available in any role. |
|
| Feb 9 2024 | Houck is preparing as a starter but could be needed as a reliever if the Red Sox trade closer Kenley Jansen, Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck will begin spring training on a starter's track, but he'll be one of seven pitchers with a chance of making the rotation. Those that lose out will head to the bullpen, which could need a closer, as Jansen's name has popped up in trade rumors the past week. Houck had experience as a closer in 2022, but his first passion is starting, and the right-hander used the offseason to improve his arsenal. Specifically, he worked on the horizontal break of his slider, getting more action on the sinker and tinkered with a splitter, a pitch he threw only 11 percent of the time in 2023. In 21 starts last season, Houck went 6-10 with a 5.01 ERA and career-high 1.2 HR/9 over 106 innings. |
|
| Oct 1 2023 | Houck (6-10) earned the win Sunday, allowing one hit and three walks over six scoreless innings against Baltimore. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Sep 26 2023 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Sep 20 2023 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck didn't have his typical command Tuesday, walking four batters and hitting another to tie his season high in walks allowed. Though he 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 21:10 K:BB. He's tentatively scheduled for a date with the Rays at Fenway Park early next week. |
|
| Sep 14 2023 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Sep 13 2023 | Houck's scheduled start Wednesday was pushed back due to inclement weather. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Red Sox and Yankees will play a doubleheader Thursday, and Houck is slated to start in Game 1. 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. |
|
| Sep 9 2023 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Sep 3 2023 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Aug 27 2023 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Aug 22 2023 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Aug 20 2023 | Houck (face) will be reinstated from the 15-day injured list to start Tuesday against the Astros, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Aug 19 2023 | Houck (face) will be activated to start Monday or Tuesday in Houston, MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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 the Astros. |
|
| Aug 16 2023 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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) 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. |
|
| Aug 15 2023 | Houck (face) is lined up to return from the injured list and start Monday against the Astros, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Aug 12 2023 | Houck (face) will make one more rehab start before returning from the injured list, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Aug 11 2023 | Houck (face) worked three scoreless innings Friday in a rehab start with Triple-A Worcester, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Aug 7 2023 | Houck (face) will make his next rehab appearance with Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Aug 6 2023 | Houck (face) allowed two runs on three hits and three walks while striking out three over 1.2 innings for Triple-A Worcester on Saturday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck, who made his first rehab start, threw 46 pitches (27 strikes) and was pulled as he reached the projected count of 40-to-45 pitches. All three strikeouts came in a scoreless first inning, when the right-hander worked out of a bases-loaded jam. His fastball sat at 91-to-92 miles per hour and topped out at 93, per Triple-A Worcester's official site. Houck is likely to make two more rehab starts before he returns from the 15-day injured list and reclaims a spot in Boston's rotation. |
|
| Aug 4 2023 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Aug 2 2023 | Houck (face) is scheduled to begin a minor-league rehab assignment Saturday for Triple-A Worcester, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck made it through another bullpen session Tuesday without issue and has now been cleared to pitch in live games. The Red Sox haven't announced publicly whether the 27-year-old right-hander will return from the 15-day injured list as a reliever or starter, 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. |
|
| Aug 1 2023 | Houck (face) will throw an up-and-down bullpen session Tuesday, Chad Jennings of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Both Houck and fellow injured starter Garrett 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 opt for him to pitch out of 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. |
|
| Jul 26 2023 | The Red Sox will meet Wednesday to discuss which role Houck (face) will fill upon his return, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jul 18 2023 | Houck (face) plans to try to throw off a mound around July 25, MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jul 6 2023 | Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Thursday that Cora (face) has started workouts and will begin throwing Tuesday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jul 5 2023 | Houck (face) could begin exercises as soon as Friday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jun 27 2023 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jun 20 2023 | Houck will undergo surgery next week to repair his facial fracture, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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'd pitched to a 5.05 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 64:23 K:BB through 13 starts covering 67.2 innings. |
|
| Jun 19 2023 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jun 18 2023 | Houck (face) was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jun 17 2023 | Houck suffered a facial fracture Friday against the Yankees but is back home and in stable condition, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jun 16 2023 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jun 10 2023 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jun 4 2023 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jun 3 2023 | Houck's start against the Rays has been moved from Saturday to Sunday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| May 28 2023 | Houck (3-4) allowed four runs on six hits over four innings Sunday, striking out four and taking a loss against the Diamondbacks. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| May 24 2023 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| May 22 2023 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| May 16 2023 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| May 15 2023 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| May 7 2023 | Houck will make his next scheduled start, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| May 3 2023 | Houck will remain in the Red Sox' rotation for now and start Sunday in Philadelphia, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Apr 2 2023 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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 also threw 19 cutters. Houck is lined up to take the mound in Detroit next week. |
|
| Mar 13 2023 | Houck allowed two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out four over 3.1 innings during Sunday's spring start against the Yankees. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck made his third spring start, and it's looking like he'll remain in that role for the beginning of the regular season. Both Brayan Bello (forearm) and James Paxton(hamstring) appear headed for the injured list to begin the campaign, 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 should be plenty of openings for Houck to stake his claim to the rotation. |
|
| Mar 8 2023 | Houck allowed two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out four over three innings in Tuesday's spring start against Atlanta. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While the results aren't impressive, Houck faced one batter over the minimum in the first two innings when he registered three of his four strikeouts. Red Sox manager Alex Cora was pleased with the pitcher's second Grapefruit League start, 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. One goal for the right-hander was to throw more strikes, and Houck threw first-pitch strikes to 11 of 13 batters faced. Houck, who has served in a variety of roles for Boston, was ticketed for a multi-inning relief role in 2023, but injuries to three projected starters make him a rotation possibility to start the season. None of the three starters -- Brayan Bello (forearm), James Paxton (hamstring) and Garrett Whitlock (hip) -- are expected to be out too long. |
|
| Mar 3 2023 | Houck allowed four walks and struck out two over 1.2 scoreless innings in Thursday's spring game against the Phillies. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Mar 2 2023 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck had seemed ticketed for a relief role when camp opened, but it appears he'll be needed more in the rotation initially. It's possible the assignment is temporary, as neither Whitlock or Bello are expected to miss much time if they do end up on the injured list. 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. |
|
| Feb 25 2023 | Houck will start next Thursday against against the Phillies, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Feb 22 2023 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jan 20 2023 | Houck (back) is throwing off the mound, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Sep 6 2022 | Houck underwent a successful lumbar discectomy Tuesday and is expected to be ready for the start of 2023 spring training. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Sep 4 2022 | The Red Sox transferred Houck (back) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Sunday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Sep 3 2022 | Houck will undergo back surgery next week, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Sep 2 2022 | Houck is expected to undergo back surgery, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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 should rule him out for the remainder of this season and could lead to questions about his durability and effectiveness heading into 2023. 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) and/or Matt Barnes (four) could pass him down the stretch. |
|
| Sep 1 2022 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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 fully 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. |
|
| Aug 30 2022 | Houck (back) didn't throw live batting practice as scheduled Tuesday due to continued back soreness, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Aug 29 2022 | Houck (back) will throw live batting practice at Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Aug 23 2022 | Houck (back) threw off flat ground Tuesday and felt good following the session, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck appears poised to avoid surgery to address the disc injury in his back, something that looked to be a real possibility as recently as last week. He'll start building up in the coming days, and Boston manager Alex Cora hopes the right-hander can pitch by the end of the season. |
|
| Aug 16 2022 | Houck (back) was diagnosed with a disc issue Tuesday and will return to Boston for a week of treatment, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck will be re-evaluated next Monday before the Red Sox determine his next steps, but at this stage, the right-hander's return from the injured list doesn't look to be imminent. If he responds well to treatment over the next several days, Houck could be back near the end of the month in a best-case scenario, but a return in September seems more likely. The Red Sox should continue to lean on Garrett Whitlock and John Schreiber in higher-leverage spots while their preferred closer is sideilned. |
|
| Aug 15 2022 | Houck (back) will see a spine specialist Monday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Aug 11 2022 | Red Sox manager Alex Cora said the team is still gathering information on Houck's back injury, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Aug 9 2022 | Houck was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday, retroactive to Aug. 6, with lower-back inflammation. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Aug 2 2022 | Houck saved Tuesday's 2-1 win against the Astros, tossing 1.2 perfect innings. He failed to record a strikeout. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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 for consecutive saves cements his status as Boston's primary 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. |
|
| Aug 1 2022 | Houck fired a perfect ninth inning, striking out one to earn the save in Monday's 3-2 win over the Astros. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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). |
|
| Jul 27 2022 | Houck (5-4) allowed a run on one hit in one inning, taking the loss Wednesday versus the Guardians. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jul 16 2022 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jun 30 2022 | Houck was reinstated from the restricted list Thursday, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jun 27 2022 | The Red Sox placed Houck (personal) on the restricted list Monday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jun 26 2022 | Houck earned the save against the Guardians on Saturday with a perfect inning of work. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck needed only seven pitches -- six of which were strikes -- to set the side 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. |
|
| Jun 25 2022 | Houck allowed one run on three hits while striking out two over the ninth inning of Friday's 6-3 win over the Guardians. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jun 21 2022 | Houck will not make the trip to Toronto for next week's three-game series against the Blue Jays due to being unvaccinated against COVID-19, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. The series runs from Monday to Wednesday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jun 20 2022 | Houck allowed one hit in a scoreless frame against the Tigers on Monday. He struck out one batter and earned a save. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jun 19 2022 | Houck earned a save against the Cardinals on Sunday. He allowed one hit and struck out one batter. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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 has lowered his ERA to 3.53 through 43.1 frames. |
|
| Jun 18 2022 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jun 12 2022 | Houck saved Sunday's 2-0 win against the Mariners, striking out one in a 1-2-3 ninth inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jun 10 2022 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jun 8 2022 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After giving up a leadoff double in the bottom of the ninth inning, Houck bore down to shepherd the game into an extra frame. He induced a pop fly, a swinging strikeout and 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 appearances 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, and his role could eventually expand to include save opportunities. |
|
| May 26 2022 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| May 19 2022 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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 of the season by inducing nine swinging strikes across 58 pitches. After the game, Houck discussed utilizing a new slider grip, per Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican, which could help him earn better results moving forward. Houck owns a 4.70 ERA with a 29:13 K:BB across 30.2 innings on the campaign. |
|
| May 15 2022 | Houck allowed a run on a hit and a walk in three relief innings during Sunday's loss to the Rangers. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| May 8 2022 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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 indicated that Houck would be working out of the bullpen for the foreseeable future, but Houck could move back into the rotation with Wacha on the 15-day injured list and Rich Hill (illness) on the COVID-19 IL. |
|
| May 7 2022 | Houck will remain in the bullpen for the foreseeable future, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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, and 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. |
|
| May 6 2022 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| May 4 2022 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Apr 30 2022 | Manager Alex Cora said Saturday that Houck will continue to pitch out of the bullpen for now, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Apr 25 2022 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Apr 24 2022 | Houck came on in relief and struck out two over 1.2 perfect innings in Sunday's 5-2 loss to the Rays. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Apr 21 2022 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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 isn't nearly as appealing. 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 the 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. |
|
| Apr 17 2022 | 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," said Houck, 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." | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Apr 16 2022 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Apr 10 2022 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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 Saturday against Minnesota at Fenway. |
|
| Mar 30 2022 | Houck allowed one run on five hits and struck out four over four innings in Wednesday's spring training game against Atlanta. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: In his third Grapefruit League start, Houck had plenty of run support early and helped himself by not walking anyone. He entered the contest with eight bases on balls over his first five spring innings. Still, he and manager Alex Cora noted improvement is still needed, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. The 25-year-old right-hander had a wild pitch and hit two batters, which contributed to a lot of traffic. Cora stressed the need to attack the zone more and made note of mechanics that need to be ironed out. Houck will have one more start to prepare for his regular-season debut, the third game of the season against the Yankees. |
|
| Mar 26 2022 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Mar 21 2022 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Mar 20 2022 | Manager Alex Cora indicated Sunday that Houck is all but guaranteed a spot in Boston's starting rotation to begin the season, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. He 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. |
|
| Mar 13 2022 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Oct 9 2021 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Oct 2 2021 | Houck will start Saturday's game against the Nationals, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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 Saturday's matchup against Washington. |
|
| Sep 17 2021 | Houck will be available out of the bullpen as early as Saturday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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 until 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. |
|
| Sep 10 2021 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Sep 4 2021 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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 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 again Friday against the White Sox. |
|
| Aug 29 2021 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Aug 24 2021 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Aug 22 2021 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Aug 17 2021 | Houck was optioned to Triple-A Worcester after Tuesday's doubleheader against the Yankees, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Aug 15 2021 | Houck will return from Triple-A Worcester to start one game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Yankees, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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 he remains 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. |
|
| Aug 13 2021 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Aug 12 2021 | Houck was recalled as expected ahead of his scheduled start Thursday against the Rays. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Aug 11 2021 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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 constant 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. |
|
| Aug 7 2021 | Houck was returned to Triple-A Worcester following Saturday's game in Toronto, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27th man in Saturday's doubleheader, Houck was 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. |
|
| Jul 29 2021 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jul 28 2021 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jul 26 2021 | Houck will remain in the Red Sox rotation and make his next start Wednesday against the Blue Jays in Boston, Steve Hewitt of the Boston Herald reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: At least for one more week, manager Alex Cora will stick with a six-man rotation that includes the rookie, who returned from Triple-A Pawtucket to make his third start of the season July 22. Though a mid-game rain shower resulted in Houck getting pulled after 4.2 innings, he kept the Yankees bats quiet during his time on the mound, allowing just one unearned run on two hits and two walks while striking out eight. Over 18 frames with the big club on the season, Houck owns a 2.50 ERA (1.98 FIP) and an impressive 22.6 K-BB%. The 25-year-old may have a tough time continuing to produce at that level, but even if some regression sets in, he could be an upgrade over Garrett Richards and Martin Perez at the back end of Boston's rotation. |
|
| Jul 22 2021 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jul 21 2021 | Houck will start Thursday's game against the Yankees, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jul 20 2021 | Houck won't start Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jul 16 2021 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jul 15 2021 | Houck will likely start Wednesday against the Blue Jays, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jul 7 2021 | The Red Sox plan to use Houck in an undefined role after the All-Star break, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Jun 1 2021 | Houck (elbow) threw off a mound Tuesday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| May 23 2021 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| May 9 2021 | The Red Sox announced Sunday that Houck has been temporarily shut down with a sore flexor muscle, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Apr 18 2021 | Houck was returned to the alternate training site after Sunday's doubleheader against the White Sox, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Apr 17 2021 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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 him earning more starting chances later this season. |
|
| Apr 13 2021 | Houck may not be able to pitch in Wednesday's doubleheader against the Twins, as he threw in an alternate-site game against the Mets on Saturday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The doubleheader could potentially have been an opportunity for Houck -- who struck out eight while allowing just two earned runs over five innings in his first start of the season -- to make another start, but the timing doesn't seem to line up. He was optioned to the alternate site last Wednesday, and he can only return within 10 days either as the extra man for a doubleheader or to replace someone else who landed on the injured list. That means he also won't be able to make a spot start Thursday unless someone gets hurt. |
|
| Apr 7 2021 | Houck was optioned to Boston's alternate training site Wednesday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck recently moved to the bullpen, and he'll now be sent to the team's alternate camp in Worcester. His removal from the main 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. |
|
| Apr 6 2021 | Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Houck will be available out of the bullpen for Tuesday's game against the Rays, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Apr 3 2021 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck struck out a third of the batters he faced in his three-start debut last season and 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. |
|
| Mar 30 2021 | Houck appears to be lined up to start the second game of the season Saturday against Baltimore, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Mar 29 2021 | Houck remains in contention to open the season as a member of the Red Sox rotation, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Mar 17 2021 | Houck was optioned to Boston's alternate training site Wednesday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Mar 11 2021 | Houck allowed one hit and one walk while striking out three over three scoreless innings in Wednesday's spring game against Atlanta. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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," manager Alex Cora said. "With his movement, I thought that was good enough. But now, you see 96, 97, it's eye-opening." Throwing strikes consistently and attacking the zone will be the mission going forward for Houck, who is expected to start the season at Triple-A Worcester. |
|
| Mar 5 2021 | Houck allowed three runs on two hits and five walks over two-thirds of an inning in Thursday's spring game against Baltimore. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. The right-hander still has enough time in camp to make a push for a spot in the big-league rotation, but keeping his crossfire delivery in sync might always be something of a challenge. |
|
| Feb 28 2021 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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 third pitch in the minors. |
|
| Feb 18 2021 | Houck is not guaranteed a starting role to begin the 2021 season, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Sep 26 2020 | Houck (3-0) allowed a run on three hits and three walks with 10 strikeouts over six innings in Saturday's win over Atlanta. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Houck turned in another good effort to close out his 2020 campaign. The only mistake he made was a solo home run -- the first Houck had given up in his career -- off the bat of Dansby Swanson. The 24-year-old righty struck out 21 and allowed just two runs (one earned) over 17 innings across his first three major-league starts. The 24th overall pick from the 2017 draft could be a factor in the Red Sox rotation in 2021. |
|
| Sep 20 2020 | 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. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Sep 15 2020 | Houck (1-0) earned the win Tuesday at Miami after allowing two hits and three walks while recording seven strikeouts over five scoreless innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
| Sep 13 2020 | Houck will make his big-league debut as Boston's starter Tuesday in Miami, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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. |
|
