The Boston Red Sox entered the 2026 season viewed as one of the strongest contenders to reach the postseason.
However, Boston has struggled badly out of the gate, sitting at 18-25 entering Friday’s action and already trailing by 10.5 games in the AL East standings.
Although the pitching staff hasn’t been the team’s biggest weakness, reinforcements could soon be on the way.
According to Ian Browne of MLB.com, Red Sox right-hander Tanner Houck may be able to return within the next few months.
Houck is currently working his way back after Tommy John surgery prematurely ended his 2025 campaign.
“Making 75 throws out to 105 feet three days a week, and 30 throws at 60 feet three days a week while throwing changeups those days,” Browne wrote. “Targeting mound work in late June.”
What Would Houck’s Return Mean for Boston?
The Red Sox selected Houck in the first round of the 2017 MLB Draft out of the University of Missouri.
He made his major league debut during the shortened 2020 season and immediately impressed.
Across three starts totaling 17 innings, Houck surrendered only one earned run while striking out 21 hitters, giving fans an early glimpse of his potential.
During his rookie campaign in 2021, Houck posted a 3.52 ERA with 87 strikeouts over 69 innings. After starting 13 games, Boston shifted him into a bullpen role for the 2022 season.
In 32 appearances spanning 60 innings, Houck recorded a solid 3.15 ERA.
Boston returned him to the rotation in 2023, though the results were inconsistent as he finished with a 5.01 ERA across 106 innings.
Facing a critical prove-it season in 2024, Houck responded in a major way.
The right-hander earned a spot in the 2024 All-Star Game after delivering a 3.12 ERA over 178.2 innings.
That breakout performance secured Houck’s place in the rotation entering 2025, but things quickly unraveled.
Houck appeared in only nine games last season, totaling 43.2 innings before undergoing elbow surgery. He struggled badly in those outings, posting an 8.04 ERA.
It’s possible his poor production stemmed largely from the injury, but 2027 now shapes up as another pivotal year in his career.
Pitchers returning from Tommy John surgery often need time before fully regaining form, so expectations for Houck this season should remain measured.
Still, 2027 will also be his final season before free agency, adding even more importance to his recovery and performance.
How Could Houck Fit Into Boston’s Plans?
Even if Houck returns shortly after the All-Star break, earning a permanent spot in Boston’s starting rotation could prove difficult.
The Red Sox are loaded with young pitching talent and several established arms already figure prominently in the club’s future plans.
When healthy, Garrett Crochet remains one of baseball’s premier pitchers, while offseason addition Ranger Suárez is expected to play a major role as well.
Top young arms such as Connelly Early and Payton Tolle are viewed as long-term rotation pieces for Boston.
Although veteran Sonny Gray could depart after the season, pitchers including Brayan Bello, Jake Bennett, Kyson Witherspoon, and Anthony Eyanson are also expected to compete for future opportunities.
Because of that depth, Houck’s clearest path to maintaining a steady role may once again come out of the bullpen, similar to his successful 2022 season.
If he can regain anything close to his All-Star level production, Boston could soon find itself with an enviable surplus of pitching talent.