The Boston Red Sox scratched Tanner Houck from his scheduled start against the New York Yankees due to shoulder fatigue, opting for Richard Fitts as the starter just before the game. Manager Alex Cora indicated that Houck's condition worsened upon arrival at the ballpark, prompting the decision to prioritize his health. Despite this setback, the team does not believe the issue will end Houck's season, and he is expected to start in the next series against the Tampa Bay Rays. Additionally, left-handed reliever Brennan Bernardino has been placed on the injured list with elbow soreness, while Cam Booser has been activated after recovering from his own injury. Cora has expressed concerns over the bullpen's effectiveness and emphasized the need for improvements in player conditioning and performance. This comes as the Red Sox seek to bounce back from a disappointing second half of the season, marked by a struggling pitching staff.