Forgotten Red Sox All-Star Takes Major Step Toward Potential Return

Forgotten Red Sox All-Star Takes Major Step Toward Potential Return originally appeared on NESN.
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Tanner Houck has spent the entire 2026 season working far away from the spotlight, but the Boston Red Sox right-hander suddenly has a realistic path back to the major leagues.

Houck is expected to begin a minor-league rehabilitation assignment with Double-A Portland next week, Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reported.

That is the most significant development yet in Houck’s recovery from the hybrid reconstruction of his right ulnar collateral ligament and flexor tendon repair he underwent in August 2025. The 30-year-old already has tested his elbow in scrimmage action at Boston’s facility in Fort Myers, Fla. Houck threw between 15 and 18 pitches in a Sept. 1 outing, reaching 94 mph with his fastball, according to MLB.com.

He is scheduled to repeat that exercise before advancing to Portland.

Tanner Houck Could Provide Unexpected Bullpen Boost

The Red Sox once appeared likely to go through the entire season without Houck. Now, a late return as a reliever has become a legitimate possibility.

Interim manager Chad Tracy previously said Houck was “in the picture” for a major-league role late in the regular season. There is not enough time for Boston to stretch him back out as a traditional starter, but shorter appearances could allow Houck to contribute without requiring a lengthy buildup.

Tanner Houck is slated to start a rehab assignment with Double-A Portland next week: https://t.co/L5390VQKlf

— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) September 3, 2026

That possibility has become more intriguing because of the condition of Boston’s pitching staff.

The Red Sox have lost six of their last eight games entering Thursday’s series opener against the Baltimore Orioles. Their pitchers have posted a 5.66 ERA over the club’s last 10 games after producing a 3.25 mark across the previous 50.

Boston also placed Tyron Guerrero on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation, while Justin Slaten’s recovery from elbow inflammation recently slowed because of lingering soreness. Houck would not solve every problem, but his sinker-slider combination could give Tracy another late-season option capable of recording multiple outs.

Red Sox Must Remain Careful With Houck

Any excitement about Houck’s progress should come with reasonable caution. He has not pitched in a major-league game since May 2025, when an elbow injury ended a difficult season. Houck went 0-3 with an 8.04 ERA over nine starts before eventually undergoing surgery.

His upcoming rehab assignment will be about more than results. The Red Sox will need to monitor Houck’s velocity, command and, most importantly, how his reconstructed elbow responds between appearances.

Boston also will have a limited window to make its decision. The postseason is scheduled to begin Sept. 29, leaving Houck only a few weeks to prove he can help a team fighting for a wild-card position.

MORE: Roman Anthony Hits Reset Button as Red Sox Make Playoff Push: ‘It’s Like a New Season’

The upside is easy to understand. Houck was an All-Star in 2024, when he recorded a 3.12 ERA over a career-high 178 2/3 innings. Boston does not need him to immediately rediscover that level of performance or carry a starter’s workload.

If Houck can return healthy and handle shorter assignments, the Red Sox could add a powerful and versatile arm without making another transaction.

A pitcher who appeared destined to spend all of 2026 rehabilitating now has a chance to become one of Boston’s most unexpected September reinforcements.

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