The Red Sox starting rotation hasn’t exactly been consistent in 2023. Injuries and poor performance have led to the team altering the rotation regularly over the last four months. Through 72 games this year, the Red Sox have used a total of 10 different starting pitchers.

For the last few weeks though, it seemed like the Red Sox had a consistent five-man group in Garrett Whitlock, Brayan Bello, James Paxton, Kutter Crawford, and Tanner Houck. However, that group is now set to change again.

• On Friday night, Houck was hit in the face with a line drive, and left the game. The team then placed Houck on the 15-day IL on Sunday with what they called a ‘facial fracture.’

  Exactly how much time Houck will miss remains unknown. According to the Boston Globe, surgery has not yet been ruled out.

• Scary situation in Boston as Tanner Houck gets hit in the face.
  
  Prayers for him and hoping everything is alright. pic.twitter.com/nva2QBwLgk

  — Dillard Barnhart (@BarnHasSpoken2) June 17, 2023

• How the Red Sox will fill Houck’s spot also remains a question. Kaleb Ort was called up on Sunday to make a start, but he might not be a longer-term option. That game was his lone start in 15 apperances this year.

  The team also recalled Chris Murphy, who has been a starter for the majority of the year with Triple-A Worcester. However, Murphy has been used as a long reliever in both of his MLB appearances this year, including one on Sunday afternoon.

  Outside of pitchers currently in the rotation, the only other players to start games this year for the Red Sox were Corey Kluber and Nick Pivetta, who were both moved to the bullpen due to their performance) – and Matt Dermody, who was released by the team over the weekend.

  The good news is the Red Sox have some time to figure this out. They do have starters set through Wednesday, with Paxton, Crawford, and Whitlock starting the first three games of their upcoming three-game series in Minnesota against the Twins. Thursday is their next scheduled ‘TBD’ day.

• 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.

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