How Did Tanner Houck Do In Latest Rehab Outing?

The last two seasons of Tanner Houck’s career have been a rollercoaster. Houck went from fringe starter to American League All-Star in 2024 and has failed to find his all-star level in 2025.

After a rocky start to 2025, he went on the injured list with a right flexor pronator strain and recently began a rehab assignment.

On Friday, Houck made his fourth rehab appearance, this one coming with Double-A Portland.

It was the best appearance of Houck’s stint in the minor leagues. After surrendering nine runs over 6 1/3 innings in his first three outings, the righty threw five shutout innings for Portland. He handed the ball to lefty Payton Tolle, who also dominated.

Houck recorded 11 whiffs on 74 pitches. That 14.8% swinging strike would be his highest for the second, albeit against inferior competition. Additional swings and misses would go a long way for Houck, whose strikeout rate is 15.8%, well below the league average for a starting pitcher.

While pitch metrics aren’t available for Houck, his strike-throwing was much improved. He didn’t issue any walks, which is important for his success. His walk rate this season jumped back up to 8.4% after seeing it fall to a career-low 6.5% in 2024.

It’s unclear how many more rehab outings Houck will need before being activated. His assignment began on June 18, leaving him about two weeks before a decision needs to be made. That would put him in line to join the team when the team begins play after the All-Star break, at the latest.

Masataka Yoshida also played in the game and recorded one hit in four at-bats.