UPDATE: Boston Red Sox pitcher Tanner Houck will undergo Tommie John surgery, effectively ending his season, manager Alex Cora announced earlier today. Houck, who was sidelined with a right flexor strain, has struggled throughout this season, finishing with a troubling 8.04 ERA over nine starts.
The decision comes after Houck visited renowned surgeon Dr. Keith Meister in Texas for an evaluation. Cora confirmed, “Tanner’s going to have Tommy John surgery. We don’t have a date yet, but it was the recommendation.” This news is a significant blow to the Red Sox as they face the Houston Astros at Fenway Park.
At just 29 years old, Houck had a promising start to the 2024 MLB season, boasting a 3.12 ERA across 30 starts before injuries derailed his campaign. Despite his strong early performance, he struggled post-All-Star break, going 1-4 with a 4.23 ERA.
Cora reflected on the challenges, stating, “Tough year for him, tough year for us. But he’ll kill the rehab, he’ll do his job, and when he comes back, he’s going to be OK.” This sentiment underscores the emotional toll of the situation on both the player and the team.
Houck is now the third Red Sox starter to face a season-ending injury, joining Hunter Dobbins, who tore his ACL, and Kutter Crawford, who underwent wrist surgery. The team’s depth is being tested as they aim for a strong finish in the season.
In a bid to strengthen their pitching lineup, the Red Sox acquired right-hander Dustin May from the Los Angeles Dodgers at the trade deadline. May is expected to make his debut start for Boston this coming Wednesday. He expressed mixed emotions about leaving the Dodgers but is eager to contribute to the Red Sox. “It was definitely a ride of emotions, up and down,” he said, adding, “I couldn’t be more excited and thrilled to be here.”
The Red Sox are now left to navigate the remainder of the season without Houck, who earned his first All-Star appearance last year. As fans await further updates on his surgery, the focus shifts to how the team will adapt in his absence and the impact on their playoff aspirations.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
