Tanner Houck was an All-Star for the Boston Red Sox in 2024, but struggled last season before getting injured and undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Houck has been working to get healthy this year, and according to MassLive's Christopher Smith, he will throw a live batting practice on Friday, marking the fourth live batting practice session in his rehab.
"Tanner’s getting deeper into his live BP phase of all this and then we’ll go from there,” Tracy said.
Houck was second on the team in innings pitched in 2024 and made 30 starts, tying Brayan Bello for the second most on the team. Last season, he had an 8.04 ERA in nine starts before his season ended. It's unclear what role the Red Sox would use him in if he does return this year.
The starting rotation is full, and there's not really enough time to build him up as a starter. If he was going to be a bullpen arm, the Red Sox would have to remove one of their current arms from the bullpen, which has been great as of late.
The reality is, Houck's best path to carving out a role is to wait until spring training. Next year, he could have a better chance to crack the starting rotation or even establish himself as a long relief option in the bullpen. Regardless, his getting healthy is still important. Rushing a pitcher back after Tommy John is not ideal, so the Red Sox should take their time.
