The Boston Red Sox are sitting in a great position to make the playoffs for the first time since 2021, but they will have to do without one of their starters.
Starting pitcher Tanner Houck has been sidelined since May with an injury, and an update on his status was announced before the Red Sox take on the Houston Astros on Saturday.
Boston's manager Alex Cora stated that Houck will need Tommy John surgery, ending his 2025 season. Tommy John is usually a surgery that takes two years to come back from, so Houck will likely not return until 2027.
Houck was an All-Star in 2024 but only saw nine games this season due to his injury.
Houck will turn 30 next season, which is the age at which many pitchers undergo Tommy John surgery. Back in 2020, Red Sox pitcher Chris Sale had to undergo a season-ending Tommy John surgery around the age of 30. The good news is Sale bounced back from the surgery and has been a great pitcher.
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
The Red Sox didn't seem like they were counting on Houck coming back at all this season, and that's why they went out and traded for Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Dustin May at the trade deadline.
More MLB: Red Sox's lackluster deadline could clear path for rookies' return