Red Sox Move Pitcher to IL, Promote Right-Hander from Triple-A

Boston Red Sox pitcher Tanner Houck just landed on the 15-day injured list with a right flexor pronator strain. For Houck, 27, it’s another blow in what’s already been a rough season.

The announcement came after a brutal outing against the Detroit Tigers. Houck’s struggles on the mound seem to mirror the team’s broader issues right now.

It’s been a tough ride for Houck this year. He’s posted an 8.04 ERA across nine starts and just hasn’t found his groove.

In 43 2/3 innings, he’s struck out 32 and walked 17. The consistency just isn’t there.

Against Detroit, Houck allowed 11 earned runs on nine hits in only 2 1/3 innings. Ouch.

It was actually the second time in his last six starts that he gave up 11 earned runs. That’s not the kind of stat you want following you around, and it’s got folks wondering about his future role in Boston.

With Houck sidelined, the Red Sox have called up right-hander Cooper Criswell from Triple-A Worcester. He’s stepping into the rotation, but let’s be honest—his major league numbers haven’t exactly wowed anyone.

Criswell’s pitched in three games for Boston this season, putting up a 10.38 ERA over 4 1/3 innings. That’s a tough sell.

But there’s a silver lining. Down in Worcester, Criswell’s been lights out, posting a 1.99 ERA with 31 strikeouts in five appearances. Maybe there’s something there if he can translate that to the big leagues.

Some are speculating that Houck could shift to the bullpen once Walker Buehler returns from injury. Maybe that’s exactly what Houck needs to get back on track.

Moving him to the pen might take some pressure off and let him reset. The Red Sox rotation is shaky, so a bullpen role could let Houck contribute without the heavy workload.

Shifting Houck to relief would be a strategic play for Boston. It’d protect his arm and let the team use him in shorter, high-stress spots.

As the rotation hopefully finds its footing, having Houck as a relief option could really help the pitching staff during crunch time.

Houck’s injury is just one part of Boston’s bigger pitching headache in 2023. The rotation’s been inconsistent, and injuries keep piling up.

With pitchers underperforming or out, the Red Sox are scrambling to hold things together in the ultra-competitive AL East.

Leaning on guys like Criswell just shows how much depth matters in today’s MLB. You’ve got to have backup plans when injuries or slumps hit.

Boston’s ability to adapt—through call-ups or shifting roles—might end up being the deciding factor as the season rolls on.

Final Thoughts

Tanner Houck’s move to the injured list is just the latest twist in a season that’s felt chaotic for both him and the team. The Red Sox now turn to Cooper Criswell, hoping he can step up and fill the gap.

Houck’s future role in the pitching staff is up in the air. Will he bounce back, or is a bullpen stint the shake-up he needs?

The Red Sox really can’t afford another slip if they want to stay in the playoff race this year. It’s a tough spot—no way around it.

We’ll keep an eye out for any updates as Boston tries to steady the ship and adjust their pitching plans. Maybe they’ll find the right formula to keep their postseason hopes alive.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Red Sox Place Struggling Pitcher On IL, Recall Right-Hander From Triple-A