The Red Sox currently has all of Boston sports fans' attention, as they’re the only Boston team that remains in play. Through 75 games, the Red Sox currently sit in fourth place in the A.L. East, posting a 38-37 record.
Although they’ve underperformed high expectations to make it back into the playoffs, they’ve gone 9-3 in their last 12 games. However, they made big headlines these past few days, moving on from beloved star Rafael Devers, in a shocking deal that sent him to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for pitchers Kyle Harrison and Jordan Hicks, along with two minor leaguers.
While the trade seems to favor the Giants, the Red Sox need to improve their pitching, as they currently rank 20th in ERA (3.97) and 18th in opponent batting average (.249). Their pitching could see a boost in the upcoming weeks, as this injured Red Sox starter starts his rehab assignment against a pitching legend.
Tanner Houck Returns to the Mound
Tanner Houck will make his rehab start tonight for the Worcester Red Sox against three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer and the Buffalo Bisons. Houck has been sidelined with a forearm strain since May 12th, and after a few bullpen sessions, he begins his return to the Red Sox.
🚨Rehab Face-Off🚨 See 2024 All-Star Tanner Houck vs 3x Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer TONIGHT at Polar Park 🔥
— Worcester Red Sox (@WooSox) June 18, 2025
Tickets available at https://t.co/iNRhBbyEcY. pic.twitter.com/H4ytsqyUYM
The 2024 All-Star needed some time to regroup after a horrendous start to the 2025 season, going 0-3 in nine starts, posting an 8.04 ERA, and allowing 10 home runs through 43.2 innings. Houck wasn’t playing up to his standards, as he posted a 3.12 ERA and allowed only 11 home runs last year.
The Red Sox desperately need Houck to return to his 2024 form to complement Garrett Crochet, as the team’s pitching, besides Crochet, has been average at best. Tonight is the start of Houck’s journey back to the big leagues, but he’s tasked with facing off against Scherzer.
Like Houck, Scherzer is set to return to the big leagues after dealing with right thumb inflammation since March. Scherzer is urgently needed to boost the Toronto Blue Jays' pitching, which ranks 22nd in ERA (4.21).
Both sides hope tonight is a preview of future matchups between the two, as the battle of the A.L. East is starting to heat up. Hopefully, Houck can outduel Scherzer tonight.