Forgotten Red Sox Pitcher Gets 'Ball Rolling' on Long-Awaited Return
Boston Red Sox pitcher Tanner Houck threw to live hitters for the first time in more than a year on Tuesday.
As the Boston Red Sox faced a pitching crisis in 2026, it appeared that the team's postseason hopes might be dashed. Garrett Crochet, the ace of the starting rotation, had suffered multiple setbacks from shoulder inflammation, sitting out since April 25. Johan Oviedo, Kutter Crawford, Connelly Early, Garrett Whitlock, and Justin Slaten all faced seasons on the disabled list.
However, amidst this gloom, there was a glimmer of hope. Whitlock and Slaten received favorable news, potentially resuming their throwing regimens. Crochet himself might return to the bullpen for the team's final push. Tanner Houck, an injured starting pitcher sidelined for over a year, had just thrown a 20-25 pitch live batting session with encouraging results, averaging 93 mph.
Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy expressed optimism, emphasizing that Houck taking this step is a significant milestone. The 30-year-old, recovering from ulnar collateral ligament surgery in his right elbow, had seen his career take a downturn post-2024's All-Star performance. If Houck can regain his previous form, he could bolster the Red Sox' pitching arsenal as the postseason looms.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
