Boston Red Sox: 5 players who will spark excitement in 2021
No. 3: Tanner Houck
If there was any bright spot in the Boston Red Sox starting rotation in 2020, it was Tanner Houck.
In fact, the 2017 first round pick out of Missouri shined in this three starts late in the season for the Red Sox.
The 24-year-old youngster razzled and dazzled on the mound, going 3-0 with a whopping 0.53 ERA with 21 strikeouts in 17.0 IP.
More from Boston Red Sox
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win
- Mookie Betts Has Humble Outlook on Returning to Fenway
- Alex Cora Reveals What He Said to Cause NSFW Response from Justin Verlander
The highlight of those three starts was a start against the New York Yankees in which he took a no-hitter into the sixth inning. The Red Sox eventually won 10-2, but what was more impressive about the outing is that Houck realized his velocity was down early in the game and was able to adjust.
With an array of pitchers, Houck turned to his two-seamer to keep the Yankees lineup quiet. Also featuring a sinker, slider and a splitter, it would be disappointing if Houck does not make the starting rotation in 2021.
Tanner Houck adds excitement to the Boston Red Sox starting rotation
He knows he has a lot to work on, but his first three starts on the mound couldn’t have gone any better.
"“I still obviously have got things to work on leading into 2021,” Houck said following that game, via MassLive.com. “I have one more start this year that I plan on going just as well. The confidence is really high. And just gotta continue to work. I’ve had success now but I know there’s going to be bumps on the road. And it’s all about how you bounce back after each start.”"
Houck went on to show the Atlanta Braves just how “nasty” he is in a 10 strikeout performance that left Red Sox fans salivating on just how special this kid can be.