Red Sox Could Get Huge Late-Season Boost as $4 Million All-Star Starter Moves Closer to Return
The Boston Red Sox may have another important weapon coming at exactly the right time.
With the postseason picture beginning to take shape, Boston could potentially welcome back one of its most experienced pitchers before the playoffs. Tanner Houck is reportedly “in the picture” to return this season, giving the Red Sox another reason for optimism as they prepare for the most important stretch of the year.
Houck’s potential comeback is particularly interesting because it would come after a long and difficult road back.
The right-hander has been working his way through rehabilitation after undergoing elbow surgery, and his latest progress represents one of the biggest steps he has taken since the procedure. Houck recently faced live hitters, an encouraging development that suggests he is getting closer to potentially pitching in competitive games again.
For Boston, the timing could not be better.
The Red Sox are entering the part of the season when pitching depth becomes extremely valuable. Even teams with strong rotations can find themselves scrambling for reliable arms once the postseason arrives. Injuries, workload management and difficult matchups can quickly expose weaknesses.
That is where Houck could potentially make a difference.
Before his injury, Houck had already established himself as one of Boston’s more dependable pitchers. His 2024 campaign was especially impressive, earning him an All-Star selection after he posted a 3.12 ERA and 154 strikeouts over 178⅔ innings.
Those numbers demonstrated just how valuable he can be when healthy.
Houck has the ability to attack hitters with multiple pitches and keep opposing offenses from getting comfortable. His sinker and slider combination can create uncomfortable at-bats, while his ability to generate ground balls has historically helped him escape difficult situations.
That is precisely the type of pitcher Boston could use during a playoff push.
However, there is an important question surrounding any potential comeback: What role would Houck actually have?
After missing such a significant amount of time, expecting him to immediately return to the rotation and throw 90-plus pitches would be unrealistic. The Red Sox would likely have to take a much more cautious approach.
A bullpen role could make the most sense.
Instead of asking Houck to carry a starter’s workload, Boston could potentially use him in shorter appearances. That would allow the team to monitor his workload while still taking advantage of his stuff and experience.
And if Houck is able to regain anything close to his pre-injury form, that could become a major advantage.
Imagine Boston entering the postseason with another experienced right-hander available for high-pressure situations. Houck could potentially provide multiple innings, bridge the gap between the starting rotation and the late-inning relievers, or even be used in a matchup against dangerous right-handed hitters.
Of course, none of that is guaranteed.
Houck still has to continue progressing through his rehabilitation, and the Red Sox will have to determine whether his arm is ready for the intensity of major-league competition. Facing live hitters is an encouraging milestone, but it is not the same as pitching in a regular-season game with the pressure of a playoff race.
Boston will undoubtedly be careful.
The last thing the organization wants is to rush Houck back simply because the calendar is moving toward October. His long-term health will remain the priority, particularly after everything he has gone through during his recovery.
Still, the possibility of having him back gives the Red Sox something they did not necessarily have a few weeks ago: another potential pitching option for the stretch run.
And that could become extremely important.
The postseason often comes down to depth. A team may have its stars at the top of the rotation, but October baseball can expose every weakness. Having another pitcher capable of giving the club meaningful innings could be the difference between surviving a difficult series and going home early.
For Red Sox fans, Houck’s potential return is therefore about more than simply adding another name to the roster.
It could give Boston another experienced arm, another tactical option and another player who already understands the pressure of pitching in Boston.
There is still a long way to go before Houck officially returns, but the fact that he is now “in the picture” is enough to generate excitement.
If everything goes according to plan, the Red Sox could potentially have their former All-Star starter back in some capacity before the playoffs begin.
And if that happens, Boston may suddenly have a pitching weapon that few opponents were expecting.
Would you trust Tanner Houck in the Red Sox bullpen during the playoffs if he is healthy enough to return?
