Injured Red Sox Pitcher Suffers Setback, Returns To Injured List

Boston Red Sox pitcher Tanner Houck has been working his way back from an injury. His rehab assignment expired on Thursday, but he’ll have to wait longer to return to action.

On Saturday, Red Sox manager Alex Cora told the media that Houck would return to the injured list.

“We’ve pulled him off the rehab assignment. We’re gonna keep him on the IL,” Cora said. “We’ll have more information in the upcoming days.”

In five rehab appearances, Houck posted an 8.44 ERA in 10 2/3 innings. He made one appearance out of the bullpen, though Red Sox manager Alex Cora said it wasn’t an indication of things to come.

A 2024 All-Star, Houck never returned to form in 2025. Before injury, he made nine starts and registered an 8.04 ERA. His strikeout rate fell from 20.7% in 2024 to 15.8% in 2025, while his walk rate rose by about two percent.

Houck’s sweeper hasn’t been nearly as effective in 2025 as it was in 2024. The swinging strike rate is down about three percent, and the chase rate is down six percent. He’s not getting as much horizontal movement on the pitch, which may be contributing to the lack of effectiveness.

His splitter also hasn’t been nearly as effective. He’s throwing it in the zone less frequently, and hitters aren’t swinging. The inability, or unwillingness, to throw the ball in the zone allows hitters to sit on his other two pitches.

The Red Sox are looking for pitching help. They’ll look to the trade market while Houck continues to rehab.