Red Sox place struggling Houck on IL, Cooper Criswell takes his spot
The 2025 season has not been kind to Boston Red Sox starter Tanner Houck.
After Houck's latest blowup against the Detroit Tigers, an outing which saw him allow 11 earned runs on nine hits and two home runs over two and 1/3 innings, he has received perhaps his most discouraging news so far.
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Here is the latest on Houck, according to Chris Cotillo of Mass Live:
Houck has mostly been a durable pitcher in his six-year MLB career, and this move is sure to generate 'phantom IL' discussions among the Boston fan base.
However, assuming this is a valid injury and not a mental refresher for Houck, it comes at a convenient time. Houck has been abysmal with an 8.04 ERA, a 6.13 FIP, an American League-leading 57 hits allowed, and a Major League-leading 39 runs allowed.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Tanner Houck (89) pitches in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
It has been a disappointing development for the 28-year-old, who was expected to take another leap after an impressive 2024 effort that earned him his first All-Star Game appearance.
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Hopefully for the Red Sox, Houck can get healthy and rediscover his stuff and his confidence in the coming weeks.
His replacement, Criswell, has not been particularly impressive in his three MLB games this year, either. He has a 10.38 ERA, a 6.80 FIP, and has not yet recorded a strikeout. He has been excellent for Triple-A Worcester, though, with a 1.99 ERA and 31 strikeouts to seven walks over 22 and 2/3 innings.
Boston still has a talented staff, namely because of ace Garrett Crochet, but Houck's IL visit marks another chapter in what has already been a tumultuous ride for this staff's availability.
Related: Former Red Sox World Series Champion Sends Message to Rafael Devers Amid Drama
Related: Rafael Devers' No. 1 Predicted Trade Landing Spot Would Be a Stunner
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