On Friday night Tanner Houck made his return to the majors. The Boston Red Sox prospect was able to secure his first career save in three scoreless innings of relief. While Houck has spent most of his career as a starter, he will have a unique role in the second half. Against the New York Yankees’ however, he provided a reminder of the impact he can make.
In three innings of work, Houck allowed one hit while striking out three batters. The former first-round pick dominated the Yankees lineup. In his first major league appearance since April, Houck seemed right at home. It was a welcoming sign for the Red Sox as he has built on his success in the minors.
Before being recalled to Boston, Houck had posted a 3.38 ERA in June in Worcester. In that span, he had struck out 16 batters in 10.2 innings of work. While he is still building up his durability, Houck flashed the form that he showed in his MLB debut. The St. Louis native was able to work on his third pitch, which was on display Friday night.
Tanner Houck, Filthy Sinkers. 😷 pic.twitter.com/mN1eknGGgT
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 17, 2021
In Houck’s 17th major league appearance, he threw three splitters. It is a pitch he is still becoming comfortable with that will benefit him in the long run. As he looks to stick in the Red Sox rotation, the splitter will be critical to give batters a different look. So far in the majors, he has kept batters guessing and posted a 1.78 ERA in 30.1 innings of work.
Why Houck is Important to Boston
With the postseason quickly approaching, Houck is expected to play a key role. The Missouri product will be a hybrid start/reliever in order for the Red Sox’s to keep their starters fresh. It is a role similar to what Garrett Whitlock has played this season. As he showed Friday night, Houck can make an impact regardless of the role he plays.
Now that the second half now in full swing, Houck will be a player to keep an eye on. Over the last few years, Boston has struggled to develop starting pitching, but Houck has been the exception. He already has 36 strikeouts at the major league level and will be part of a playoff push for the first time in his career. The 25-year-old will also get to show why he belongs in the majors. Although Houck has only made one appearance since his return, the Red Sox righty showed why he has become one of the organization’s most talked-about prospects.
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