Tanner Houck is approaching a return from injury rehab, nearly a month after sustaining a right flexor pronator strain. On Friday, Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora provided an optimistic update after Houck completed a mixed session during his recovery.
Most likely he’ll be on a rehab assignment Wednesday,
Cora shared.
Or have one more of these [live sessions] and then [go on rehab] at the end of the week. But he feels really good about it. Just watching it from the backstop, good fastball, good breaking ball, good split. Just repetitions. And hopefully he bounces back the right way, and he can actually go on a rehab assignment on Wednesday.
—Alex Cora, Boston Red Sox Manager
Encouraging Signs in Houck’s Pitching Performance
Cora’s remarks offered two promising points for Red Sox supporters. First, Houck is expected to begin a rehab assignment soon, potentially as early as Wednesday of next week. Second, the manager praised Houck’s pitch selection, noting solid execution in the fastball, breaking ball, and splitter during recent sessions.
Despite the positive outlook, Houck’s 2025 season has been difficult. Over 43.2 innings, his earned run average (ERA) stands at 8.04 with 32 strikeouts, a significant drop from his standout 2024 campaign. Last year, Houck was the most consistent starter in Boston’s rotation, finishing with a 3.12 ERA and earning his first career All-Star honors.
Houck Addresses His Injury and Recovery Challenges
Tanner Houck has attributed his struggles to lingering physical issues rather than lack of effort. He explained the unusual nature of his soreness, detailing how it differed from what he normally experiences during recovery.
I wasn’t quite recovering in the same way that I know my body should,
Houck reflected.
I think at this point in my career, I know where I get sore and I need to get sore, what’s normal for me, but ultimately it was going into the wrong spots. I know for me, I’m a shoulder soreness kind of guy in the back of the scap region. And for me to get sore in the elbow like that is not normal.
—Tanner Houck, Boston Red Sox Pitcher
Positive Outlook as Houck Regains Form
Looking ahead, Houck remains hopeful about his ability to return to peak form and provide much-needed stability to the Red Sox rotation. He reports feeling stronger and more confident in his pitching mechanics as he continues rehabilitation.
I feel good out there with the body, delivery, and the arm especially. I feel a lot stronger and am better able to execute my pitches.
—Tanner Houck, Boston Red Sox Pitcher
What Houck’s Return Could Mean for the Red Sox
If Tanner Houck can regain his previous level of performance, his comeback may be crucial in turning around Boston’s inconsistent season. His past success as a reliable starter and All-Star presence gives fans hope that he can help stabilize the pitching staff. The team’s next steps include monitoring his rehab assignment and assessing his readiness for a full return to major league play.