Houck could be in line to open the season in the Red Sox' rotation with Garrett Whitlock (hip) and Brayan Bello (forearm) behind schedule, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Houck had seemed ticketed for a relief role when camp opened, but it appears he'll be needed more in the rotation initially. It's possible the assignment is temporary, as neither Whitlock or Bello are expected to miss much time if they do end up on the injured list. Of course, Houck could change that conversation if he gets off to a good start. The right-hander has a 3.22 ERA in 20 career starts and a 2.68 ERA in 33 relief outings.

Houck will start next Thursday against against the Phillies, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

This will be the first time Houck pitches in game action since undergoing back surgery last September. He's in the mix for a rotation spot but could eventually serve as a multi-inning reliever, if Boston's projected starters remain healthy.

Houck (back) will serve as a starter during spring training but could move to a multi-inning bullpen role, Christopher Smith fo MassLive.com reports. "We will see where we want him but we have to maximize him," Red Sox manager Alex Cora said.

EDGE Analysis

Houck is one of seven candidates vying for the five-man rotation. The pitcher said he's a "full-go" for spring training after undergoing back surgery last September. Houck has been used as both a starter and reliever in the majors, thriving in both roles. The right-hander has a 3.22 ERA in 20 career starts and a 2.68 ERA in 33 relief appearances.

Houck (back) is throwing off the mound, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Houck is working his way back from a lumbar discectomy that sidelined the right-hander at the end of the season. He's been the subject of trade rumors, but for now is being prepped to compete for a spot in the Red Sox rotation.

Houck underwent a successful lumbar discectomy Tuesday and is expected to be ready for the start of 2023 spring training.

EDGE Analysis

Back surgery is always a tricky procedure for athletes to come back from successfully and quickly, but the hope is that Houck's 2023 season won't be greatly affected. He had saves in back-to-back appearances in early August before landing on the injured list, and it's unclear how much Houck will factor into the saves mix in 2023. He could also eventually get stretched back out as a starter, although he was limited to 60 innings this season.

The Red Sox transferred Houck (back) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

The transaction clears a spot on the 40-man roster for first baseman Triston Casas, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Worcester on Sunday in a corresponding move. Houck is scheduled to undergo surgery next week to address a disc issue in his back and will miss the rest of the season.

Houck will undergo back surgery next week, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Houck was expected to require surgery to correct a disc issue in his back, and manager Alex Cora confirmed Saturday that the right-hander will undergo a procedure in the coming days. However, Houck is expected to be ready for spring training in 2023. It's not yet clear what role he'll play next season after he saw his fair share of save chances in 2022.

Houck is expected to undergo back surgery, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

Houck was shut down Thursday due to continued back soreness, with reports emerging that he might not return this season. If he does indeed undergo surgery, that should rule him out for the remainder of this season and could lead to questions about his durability and effectiveness heading into 2023. He recorded a 3.15 ERA in 60 innings this season, working mostly out of the bullpen. His eight saves still lead the Red Sox, but Garrett Whitlock (six), John Schreiber (five) and/or Matt Barnes (four) could pass him down the stretch.

Houck (back) was shut down from throwing Thursday, and manager Alex Cora isn't sure if the right-hander will return by the end of the season, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Houck was scheduled to throw live batting practice Tuesday, but that session was scratched due to lingering back soreness, and he's now been shut down entirely. It doesn't sound as though the 26-year-old has experienced a setback, but he's clearly not fully recovered from the disc issue that landed him on the injured list nearly a month ago. Even if Houck is able to return this season, he's likely to be out until late September. Garrett Whitlock, John Schreiber and Matt Barnes should continue to split save chances for the Red Sox.

Houck (back) didn't throw live batting practice as scheduled Tuesday due to continued back soreness, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 26-year-old landed on the shelf Aug. 9 with a disc issue in his back and returned to throwing last week, but the ongoing soreness will prevent him from further ramping up his throwing program. Houck is already eligible to return from the 15-day IL, but he may still be a couple weeks away from rejoining the active roster.