Red Sox Tanner Houck Placed on 15-Day IL with Forearm Strain

The Boston Red Sox have placed right-handed pitcher Tanner Houck on the 15-day injured list due to a right flexor pronator strain, retroactive to May 13. Houck, a 2024 All-Star, has struggled this season with an 8.04 ERA and allowed 11 earned runs in a recent start, marking his second outing this year with at least 10 runs allowed, which is unprecedented since 2016. His injury and declining performance have raised concerns, as flexor pronator strains typically require lengthy recovery times and can sometimes lead to Tommy John surgery. The Red Sox recalled right-hander Cooper Criswell from Triple-A as a likely replacement in the rotation, while other starters remain sidelined or in rehab. Despite the injury, Houck expressed feeling physically good and aimed to improve, but no clear timetable for his return has been provided. The team is managing a depleted rotation and considering various options as they navigate these pitching challenges.