Red Sox news & rumors: Tanner Houck’s progress; Bloom ready to deal?

Will Tanner Houck be an x-factor in the Boston Red Sox starting rotation after the MLB All-Star break?

If veteran pitcher Garrett Richards continues to trend downwards and becomes more of a liability in the starting rotation, there is a good possibility Houck gets an opportunity pretty soon.

Houck, who has been rehabbing a flexor strain injury, has been doing well during his rehab stint in Worcester and could reclaim his spot in the starting rotation.  Red Sox manager Alex Cora certainly isn’t ruling that possibility out when asked about the potential of the young pitcher at least getting the opportunity.

"“Those conversations are going (on),” Cora told reporters via Zoom, as transcribed by NESN.  “Actually, we have a meeting in a half hour to go over a few things roster-wise and all-star break and rotation.  He feels good. Everything went well in the last one.  As you guys know he’s gonna be part of this (team) at one point.  How soon?  We don’t know yet.  He’s important for us and he will contribute.”More from Chowder and Champions3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster DeadlineMLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 SeasonRed Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win"

If Houck pitches the way he did during his starts in 2020, he will be more than an adequate addition to the starting rotation.  No one is saying he’s the healthy version of Chris Sale, but what they have gotten from Richards over his last few starts, its safe to say he’d definitely be an upgrade.

Red Sox trade possibilities: Chaim Bloom ready to deal

With young players like Tanner Houck, Jarren Duran and Triston Casas providing options to improve the team internally, Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom isn’t ruling out deals at the MLB Trade Deadline as long as they make sense.

With the team sitting atop the American League East with a 54-33 record following Tuesday night’s loss to the Los Angeles Angels, the Red Sox aren’t desperate to make a move, but they certainly have a couple weaknesses that could be exploited in the second half of the season.

Each of the players named above could help, but a team in contention don’t want to rely on young, unproven players no matter how talented they are.  Certainly, they don’t want to depend on those players once the pennant race really heats up.

Given how Bloom built this team, one should not expect an earth-shattering move.  But, to help his team succeed and continue to get better, the phone lines are certainly open for options out there that improves the team without shifting the focus of his team building philosophy.

During an appearance on NBC Sports Boston’s “Talkin’ Baseball” on Tuesday, Bloom discussed his approach towards the MLB Trade Deadline on July 30.

"“I think the important thing is just to stay true to the goals that got us to this place where we’re trying to win as many championships as we can,” Bloom said, via NBC Sports.  “This year’s a big part of that, so we want to do everything we can to help this year’s group.  You’ve seen it on the field.  I mean, not only have we had a lot of success, but it’s a group that believes in itself and is a whole heck of a lot of fun to watch.  When you have that legitimate shot at a championship, you want to do everything you can to support it.”"

With the exception of Garrett Richards, most of the players Bloom brought in are helping the team win.  Whether it’s Alex Verdugo,Kike Hernandez, Christian Arroyo, Hunter Renfroe or pitcher Garrett Whitlock, there seems to be a player he brought in making a contribution on a nightly basis.  In those terms, he seems to know what fits this team, so when it comes to trade, there should be a lot of confidence in Bloom to make the right deals vs making deals just to make deals.

As a Red Sox fan, the takeaway from what Bloom said is a good one.  The team is ready and willing to deal.  That is certainly a positive approach as far as the 2021 season goes and a good sign for the players on this team, knowing the front office believes in them now.