Tanner Houck’s Struggles: What’s Next for the Red Sox Pitcher?
The Boston Red Sox are facing a conundrum with Tanner Houck, whose recent performances have raised serious questions about his role in the starting rotation. After a disastrous outing against the Detroit Tigers, where he allowed 11 runs in just 2 1/3 innings, Houck admitted to reporters, "This is definitely probably the most lost I've ever been." With an ERA soaring to 8.04, the Red Sox are left wondering: What now for Tanner Houck?
Houck's struggles are a stark contrast to his All-Star form last season. While he seemed to have secured a permanent spot in the rotation in 2024, this season has been a significant step backward. Manager Alex Cora acknowledged the need to evaluate Houck's situation, stating, "We will talk about it, of course... We'll have to take a look at it and see what we do." The Red Sox skipper is hesitant to guarantee Houck another start.
Several factors contribute to Houck's decline. Opponents are hitting .425 against his splitter, a pitch that was previously a key weapon against left-handed hitters. His strikeout rate has decreased, and he's allowing more home runs. Despite maintaining similar velocity to last year, Houck's pitches are simply not as effective.
The Red Sox have other options to consider. Rookie Hunter Dobbins has impressed with his recent performances, and Walker Buehler is expected to return from the injured list soon. Other pitchers like Richard Fitts and Kutter Crawford are also making progress towards their return, further crowding the rotation picture.
Cora emphasized the importance of location with off-speed pitches and the need for Houck to regain consistency. He pointed to an upcoming start on Sunday against the Braves as a potential opportunity for a turnaround . However, the team could also skip Houck's turn and start Brayan Bello instead.
Sean Newcomb presented a strong case by absorbing 5.2/3 innings in the game against the Tigers. Whether Tanner Houck gets a break from the starting rotation remains to be seen, but if he wants to keep his place, he needs to quickly recover his All-Star form.
Ultimately, the Red Sox face a difficult decision. Do they remain patient and give Houck the opportunity to work through his struggles, leveraging his past success? Or do they prioritize the team's playoff aspirations and explore other options? The answer will likely depend on Houck's performance in his next outing and the continued development of the team's other pitching options.
What do you think the Red Sox should do with Tanner Houck? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
