Houck (2-0) earned the win Saturday, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks over five innings of work against Detroit. He struck out four.

EDGE Analysis

Houck gave up both runs in the fourth on a double by Phil Maton and a sacrifice fly off the bat of Spencer Torkelson. Outside of that, the right-hander was effective against the not-so-good Detroit lineup, and the outing helped lower his ERA to 4.50 to go with the two wins over his first two starts in 10 innings of work. Assuming no changes to the rotation order, Houck is lined up to face off against the Angels during next weekend's series.

Houck (1-0) yielded three runs on five hits and a walk over five innings Sunday, striking out five and picking up a win over Baltimore.

EDGE Analysis

The 26-year-old righty rolled through four scoreless frames before allowing home runs to Adam Frazier and Cedric Mullins in the fifth. Houck tossed 45 of 70 pitches for strikes, including 10 whiffs on 27 swings. As was the case last season, he mostly relied on the slider but also threw 19 cutters. Houck is lined up to take the mound in Detroit next week.

Houck allowed two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out four over 3.1 innings during Sunday's spring start against the Yankees.

EDGE Analysis

Houck made his third spring start, and it's looking like he'll remain in that role for the beginning of the regular season. Both Brayan Bello (forearm) and James Paxton(hamstring) appear headed for the injured list to begin the campaign, which opens up a spot for Houck and another depth starter. Add in Garrett Whitlock (hip), who will make his spring debut this week, and there should be plenty of openings for Houck to stake his claim to the rotation.

Houck allowed two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out four over three innings in Tuesday's spring start against Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

While the results aren't impressive, Houck faced one batter over the minimum in the first two innings when he registered three of his four strikeouts. Red Sox manager Alex Cora was pleased with the pitcher's second Grapefruit League start, Dawn Klemish of MLB.com reports. "As far as stuff, I saw a lot of swings and misses, and he used a split-change a few times today and kept them off-balance, so that was a good one," Cora said. One goal for the right-hander was to throw more strikes, and Houck threw first-pitch strikes to 11 of 13 batters faced. Houck, who has served in a variety of roles for Boston, was ticketed for a multi-inning relief role in 2023, but injuries to three projected starters make him a rotation possibility to start the season. None of the three starters -- Brayan Bello (forearm), James Paxton (hamstring) and Garrett Whitlock (hip) -- are expected to be out too long.

Houck allowed four walks and struck out two over 1.2 scoreless innings in Thursday's spring game against the Phillies.

EDGE Analysis

Houck, working as a starter, made his spring debut and looked rusty. It was the first game appearance in seven months for the right-hander, who missed the final seven weeks of 2022 with a back issue that eventually required surgery. Houck told Ian Browne of MLB.com that he was "leaving the arm hanging behind" and knows the adjustment he needs to make. Houck is projected to serve in a multi-inning relief role, but the club is stretching him out during the Grapefruit League. He could emerge as a rotation member early on if Garrett Whitlock (hip) and/or Brayan Bello (forearm) are delayed.

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.