Houck (elbow) allowed four runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out three over 3.2 innings for Triple-A Worcester on Sunday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

This was the third consecutive shaky rehab outing for Houck, who left a lot of pitches in the middle of the zone, per Red Sox manager Alex Cora. His command was iffy, too, as he threw 42 of 65 pitches (64.6 percent) for strikes. Houck's 12.79 ERA during three rehab outings is higher than the 8.04 ERA had in nine starts with Boston earlier this season.

Houck (elbow) is scheduled to make his third rehab appearance with Triple-A Worcester on Sunday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that Houck will work behind an opening pitcher Sunday, though the skipper was careful to note that the right-hander isn't being considered for a move to the bullpen and is expected to re-enter the rotation once he's activated from the 15-day injured list. The decision to use Houck behind an opener Sunday comes after he struggled in both of his first two rehab starts with Worcester, covering 2.2 innings between those outings while allowing five earned runs on five hits and three walks. Houck built up to 49 pitches in his most recent start Tuesday, so he'll likely need to complete an additional rehab appearance after Sunday before he's stretched out enough to slot back into the big-league rotation. When Houck is ready to return from the IL, the Red Sox could expand the rotation to six men, or Boston could keep a five-man setup in place by optioning rookie Richard Fitts to Triple-A or sending struggling right-hander Walker Buehler to the bullpen.

Houck (elbow) allowed one run on two hits and one walk over one-plus innings for Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Houck worked around a couple of singles for a scoreless first inning and was removed after walking the first batter faced in the second. He threw 32 pitches (18 strikes), and the short pitch count appears to have been by design. Houck told Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com that he was pain-free. He said his next rehab start will come Tuesday for the WooSox and that he'll then make a third the following Sunday.

Houck (elbow) is expected to begin a minor-league rehab assignment Wednesday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Houck threw a couple bullpen sessions this week and has been sidelined since throwing 69 pitches across 2.1 innings in a May 12 start against the Tigers. Prior to the injury, Houck (0-3) had been roughed up across nine starts, notching an 8.04 ERA and 32:17 K:BB while surrendering 10 home runs across 43.2 innings of work.

Houck (elbow) threw a bullpen session Saturday and is slated to throw another one later this week, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Houck has taken a step forward in his rehab after previously being limited to flat-ground work. The right-hander is working his way back from a right flexor pronator strain and will undoubtedly require a rehab assignment before rejoining the Red Sox.

Houck (elbow) has yet to throw off a mound, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Houck has been throwing for over two weeks but has yet to progress past playing catch. Given that he'll require a rehab assignment, he's likely to be sidelined until at least early July.

Houck (elbow) has continued his throwing program this week but is not yet considered close to beginning a rehab assignment, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

After being placed on the 15-day injured list May 14 due to a right flexor pronator strain, Houck was cleared to resume throwing late last week and will continue to work toward a rehab assignment. He's not expected to be ready to return from the IL until late June or early July, and it's unclear what sort of role he might fill for the Boston pitching staff once he's activated. Before getting shut down with the injury, Houck's spot in the rotation appeared to be in jeopardy after he turned in an 8.04 ERA, 1.69 WHIP and 32:17 K:BB in 43.2 innings through his first nine starts.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Wednesday that Houck (elbow) will begin a throwing program Friday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Houck landed on the 15-day injured list one week ago with a right flexor pronator strain but is nearly ready to ramp things up following a brief shutdown period. The Red Sox could choose to build up the right-hander slowly, especially given his struggles (8.04 ERA) prior to the injury.

Houck (elbow) was shut down from throwing Sunday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander landed on the injured list Wednesday due to a right flexor pronator strain, but he didn't appear to be in store for a lengthy absence after an MRI came back clean Friday. It's unclear if Houck suffered a setback since getting the imaging, but the pause in his throwing program likely means he'll spend more than the 15-day minimum on the shelf.

Houck had an MRI on his right elbow come back clean Friday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 28-year-old remains without a clear return timeline, but a clean MRI is encouraging news after he was placed on the injured list Thursday due to a right flexor pronator strain. Houck will be eligible to rejoin the active roster May 28, but it wouldn't be surprising if he requires a longer absence given the nature of the injury.