Red Sox’s Alex Cora Gives Discouraging Update On Injured All-Star

The Boston Red Sox likely can’t count on an injured pitcher returning to their rotation this season.

Tanner Houck hasn’t pitched for Boston since allowing 11 runs on May 12. After his minor-league rehab assignment ended, the Red Sox shut him down indefinitely on July 21 because of a recurrence of flexor soreness.

A return to the injured list diminished the chances of Houck helping the Red Sox down the stretch. Red Sox manager Alex Cora confirmed that likelihood Friday.

Cora told reporters, per the Boston Globe’s Tim Healey, that he doesn’t have much hope of Houck pitching again this season. On a brighter note, he’s holding out on Marcelo Mayer potentially playing again in 2025.

Houck garnered his first All-Star nod last season, finishing the year with a 3.12 ERA in 30 starts. The 29-year-old stumbled in an attempted encore, relinquishing an 8.04 ERA and 10 home runs in nine starts before going on the injured list.

Hunter Dobbins held down a back-end rotation spot before tearing his right ACL last month. Richard Fitts rejoined the team to record a 4.95 ERA in five starts before Boston optioned him back to Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday.

The Red Sox prepared for the unlikelihood of Houck returning by acquiring Dustin May from the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday. The 27-year-old has recovered from numerous injury setbacks to submit a 4.85 ERA in a career-high 104 innings this season.

May should slide into a rotation alongside Garrett Crochet, Lucas Giolito, Brayan Bello and Walker Buehler. Cooper Criswell will make his first big-league start of the season in Friday night’s game against the Houston Astros.