Houck isn't a lock to be in the Opening Day rotation, but he is being stretched out this spring to help with innings early on, according to manager Alex Cora, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

This vague report is a good reminder that Boston already has five veteran starters on the roster, with Houck and Garrett Whitlock representing the team's young, high-upside alternatives. Houck's devastating fastball/slider combination should allow him to have success in any role, so he should retain value in deeper leagues regardless of whether he's a starter, swing man or reliever. However fantasy managers need to be aware that he may not operate as a traditional starter all season.