The Red Sox are loading up on youth as the second half of their season gets underway. On Wednesday, it was reported that Jarren Duran is expected to be called up for this weekend’s four-game series with the Yankees, which begins Thursday night. Now, it appears he won’t be making the trip from Worcester to the Bronx alone.
According to WBZ’s Dan Roche, the team will call up starting pitcher Tanner Houck on Thursday. No corresponding move has been announced.
Houck is the team’s fifth ranked prospect, according to SoxProspects.com. He was the Red Sox’ 2017 first-round pick, out of the University of Missouri.
This will be Houck’s second stint in the big leagues this year. The 25-year-old was with the team out of Spring Training when Eduardo Rodriguez opened the season on the IL. In three appearances – including two starts – Houck posted a 4.35 ERA in 10.1 innings. Going back to his MLB debut last season, he has a 2.05 ERA and 1.101 WHIP in five starts.
Without a corresponding move, it’s tough to tell if Houck will return to the rotation, or pitch in the bullpen. The Red Sox currently have probable starters scheduled for all four games in New York with Eduardo Rodriguez, Martin Perez, Nathan Eovaldi, and Nick Pivetta set to take the hill. No pitcher is listed for the team’s Monday night game with the Toronto Blue Jays, so Houck could potentially slot in there.
Down the stretch, the Red Sox will try to balance holding onto a slim AL East lead, while getting their starting pitchers some much-needed rest. Boston starters have thrown 805.1 innings this year, the fourth most in the American League. Either as a starter or long reliever, Houck can help ease the workload.
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
