Tanner Houck begins rehab in Portland, but don’t count on him down the stretch
Red Sox Pitcher Tanner Houck Completes Rehab Show at Sea Dogs, Eyes Major League Return
Boston, May 1 – After 13 months away from the mound, Boston Red Sox right‑hander Tanner Houck made a brief but telling appearance for the Portland Sea Dogs, the organization’s Double‑A affiliate. The former first‑round draft pick, who underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in August last year, pitched 20 deliveries against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies at Hadlock Field on Tuesday evening.
Houck’s outing came as part of a structured rehabilitation plan that will see him return to Boston for evaluation and treatment, pitch again for the Sea Dogs on Friday, and then move up to the Worcester Red Sox (Triple‑A) next week. The goal is a full comeback later in May, in time to bolster a bullpen that has become a key part of the Red Sox’s playoff push.
During the two‑run, 13‑pitch effort, Houck threw a low‑mid 90s fastball that reached a peak of 95 mph. He managed eight strikes, walked two batters and yielded one run. A ball to the dirt outside the strike zone to Jefferson Rojas of Binghamton highlighted command issues that Houck himself attributes to nerves. “I was just a little amped up tonight. A little spin off with the front half. That’s something we can easily work on over the next two days at Fenway and get ready for Friday’s outing,” he said from the Sea Dogs’ clubhouse after the game.
Despite the rough start, Houck remained upbeat. “Definitely need more strikes. Get back out there and pound the zone. But all in all, a little over a year later, a good step in the right direction in terms of getting back to competition,” he said. He added that the outing was a win, though there is still work to be done before he can return to the majors.
Houck, who had been nervous before the game, noted that he spoke candidly with his wife Abby in the early morning. “I would not be doing this if I didn’t have the belief that I could go back up there and help the ball club,” he told reporters. “That’s been my goal the entire time. I want to pitch at the big‑league level.” He also said the first step was a milestone. “Take that as a win tonight. Obviously, you want to do a little better, but that’s ultimately why we’re here, to keep progressing.”
The Red Sox are currently a few wins away from clinching a playoff spot, with a magic number of ten as they finish the regular season. If Houck can build on Tuesday’s effort and regain command, he could become a valuable option in the late‑season bullpen, or even rejoin the starting rotation in 2027. The organization is cautious, however, emphasizing that there is no rush to rush him back. “There is absolutely no need for the Red Sox to rush Houck back,” the team’s medical staff said, underscoring the importance of a thorough recovery.
Houck’s fastball, once a hallmark of his 2024 All‑Star season, has yet to return to its former precision. The rehab schedule will include a Friday outing at Hadlock Field and a subsequent assignment to Worcester, where he will face Triple‑A competition. The aim is to demonstrate not only velocity but also the control and pitch‑selection that made him a top prospect.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora praised Houck’s determination. “We’re excited to see him back on the mound again,” Cora said. “He’s worked hard, and we’ll support him every step of the way.”
While the team’s bullpen has strengthened since the July switch to a more aggressive strategy, adding a healthy Houck could provide additional depth as the Red Sox continue their pursuit of a postseason berth. For now, the focus remains on his rehabilitation process and the incremental progress he is making toward a full return to the major leagues.
