Tanner Houck Injury Update: Will the Red Sox pitcher feature in the Mets showdown

The Boston Red Sox's pitching depth has taken a significant hit with the ongoing injury and performance struggles of right-hander Tanner Houck. After an impressive 2024 campaign that positioned him as a mainstay in Boston’s rotation, Houck's 2025 season has unraveled unexpectedly — culminating in a stint on the 15-day injured list and serious doubts about his short-term future with the club.

From breakout star to uncertain status

Tanner Houck delivered a career-best performance in 2024, boasting a 3.12 ERA, 154 strikeouts, and nine wins over 178 2/3 innings—a workload that exceeded his previous high by 72 frames. That leap forward gave the Red Sox a sense of optimism heading into the new season, especially after pairing him with Garrett Crochet to form a formidable one-two punch in the rotation.

But that optimism quickly turned to concern. In 2025, Houck’s numbers have plummeted. His ERA ballooned to an alarming 8.04 before he landed on the IL on May 14 with a right flexor pronator strain. Despite no structural damage being found, manager Alex Cora admitted, “I don't know how long he's going to be out.”

A deeper look into the struggles

Analysts believe Houck’s drop-off in form stems largely from decreased effectiveness in his sweeper — a pitch that once defined his success. BaseballSavant data reveals his sweeper's horizontal break has declined from 16.7 to 14.2 inches, with its spin direction movement also dropping from 18.1 to 15.6 inches. That mechanical dip has reduced his putaway rate from 22.3% to 18.4%, leading to more solid contact and barreled balls from opposing hitters.

With his primary weapon diminished, Tanner Houck has struggled to generate ground balls while giving up harder hits — a dangerous combination for any pitcher trying to anchor a starting rotation.

Will Tanner Houck face the Mets?

As the Red Sox prepare to face the New York Mets, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Houck will make an appearance. Given the current lack of a rehab timeline and the depth of Boston’s rotation — with Hunter Dobbins stepping up and Walker Buehler and Kutter Crawford expected back soon — the likelihood of Houck starting in that clash remains slim.

If the Red Sox are serious about contending, they may opt to either give Tanner Houck a longer recovery window or even consider a bullpen role upon his return. Another minor-league rehab stint seems likely before any serious discussions about reintegration into the rotation.

What’s next for the Red Sox and Houck?

With the trade deadline looming and internal competition heating up, Boston may look externally if their current arms don’t hold the line. As for Houck, the path back to the mound will require more than physical recovery — he’ll need to recapture the movement and command that once made him one of Boston’s most promising arms.

Until then, Red Sox fans will have to wait and watch as the team decides whether the 2024 All-Star can regain his form — or if his role in the team’s pitching future has already shifted.