Wednesday night was huge for Boston Red Sox fans as it finally marked right-handed pitcher Lucas Giolito's franchise debut. The former MLB All-Star hurler signed with the Red Sox in January 2024 but had yet to pitch for manager Alex Cora due to ongoing recovery from last year's elbow surgery.
Unfortunately, the Red Sox couldn't get the job done in Giolito's return, falling 7-6 to the rival Toronto Blue Jays in extra innings. Although he wasn't awarded a decision, the 30-year-old righty was solid on the mound, striking out seven batters with three runs allowed on 90 pitches across six innings.
It'll take some time before Giolito returns to form, however, Red Sox fans should still be happy with his debut. Having said that, the RHP's return to action likely spells bad news for another Boston veteran who's officially on the hot seat.
Red Sox RHP Tanner Houck Is on Thin Ice After Lucas Giolito’s Return
Assuming Giolito can return to his pre-injury form, fellow Red Sox RHP Tanner Houck will likely find himself on thin ice sooner rather than later.
It would've been silly to think about the Red Sox moving on from Houck after his breakout performance last season. The former 2017 first-rounder was one of Boston's best arms in 2024, going 9-10 with a 3.12 ERA and an American League-low 0.6 home runs allowed per nine innings, which was further highlighted by his first MLB All-Star nod.
Much to Red Sox fans' dismay, though, Houck has failed to capitalize on that momentum so far.
Through his first six 2025 starts, Houck is an uninspiring 0-2 with a 7.58 ERA and 1.685 WHIP. He's given up 12 walks, six homers, and 25 earned runs across 29 2/3 innings and has already failed to make it out of the fifth inning twice so far. It's also clear the Red Sox's bats play less confidently when Houck's on the mound, proven by their being outscored 39-19 on aggregate in his appearances.
If Giolito takes his spot in the rotation, the Red Sox could move Houck back to the bullpen. He's made 33 relief appearances since the start of 2020, going 5-3 with a 2.68 ERA and 57 strikeouts across 53 2/3 innings. A similar performance would be a huge boost to a Boston bullpen that currently has the 12th-worst ERA (4.05) in the Majors.
If they're ready to cut ties altogether, the Red Sox could float Houck as a trade candidate before the July 31 trade deadline. He's only making $3.95 million this season while being under club control for the next two, which could be attractive for a team looking for a long-term pitching option.
At the end of the day, Houck must find a way to step up if he wants to remain in the Red Sox's plans. His spot in the lineup will only become murkier once fellow Boston starters Richard Fitts and Kutter Crawford return from injury, adding to the urgency for Houck to get back on track.