Manager Alex Cora indicated Sunday that Houck is all but guaranteed a spot in Boston's starting rotation to begin the season, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cora said Houck wasn't a lock for the rotation at the start of spring training last week, but the young right-hander is apparently now a safe bet to open as a starter for Boston. He started in 13 of 18 appearances last season and pitched well with a 3.52 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 87:21 K:BB across 69 innings.

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.

Houck (1-0) allowed one run on two hits and no walks while striking out five in five innings to earn the win against the Rays on Friday in Game 2 of the ALDS.

EDGE Analysis

Houck entered Friday's contest after the Rays scored five runs in the bottom of the first inning, and the right-hander held Tampa Bay in check while helping to preserve the rest of Boston's bullpen. The right-hander has lasted at least five innings in two of his last three appearances, and he was rewarded with the first postseason win of his career in Game 2 on Friday.

Houck will start Saturday's game against the Nationals, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Houck has pitched out of the bullpen in each of his last three appearances, and he posted a 4.26 ERA and 1.42 WHIP in 6.1 innings during that time. He tossed two innings against the Orioles on Tuesday and will pitch on short rest in Saturday's matchup against Washington.

Houck will be available out of the bullpen as early as Saturday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

Houck made his previous start Wednesday and gave up three runs on three hits with seven strikeouts and four walks over 4.1 innings, and he'll move to a relief role since the Red Sox won't require a fifth starter until Oct. 2, which is the penultimate game of the regular season. The 25-year-old has a 3.75 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 70:16 K:BB across 57.2 major-league innings this season, and he figures to play a significant role for Boston down the stretch, even though he's not expected to start.

Houck (0-4) allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits and three walks over 3.2 innings Friday, striking out one batter and taking a loss against the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Most of the damage against Houck came in the third inning when he served up a three-run blast to Jose Abreu. He then allowed an RBI single to Luis Robert in the fourth before exiting the contest. The right-handed rookie had allowed three or fewer runs in each of his previous four outings and watched his season ERA climb to 3.54 after Friday's start. Houck is lined up to start in Seattle next week.

Houck allowed three hits with no walks and seven strikeouts through five scoreless innings, taking a no-decision in Saturday's 4-3 win over Cleveland.

EDGE Analysis

The Cleveland scouting department has to be doing a double-take right now. After showing no semblance of command against Cleveland just six days ago (four walks issued, three hit batters), Houck was rock solid for the Red Sox through five innings Saturday, throwing 69 percent of his pitches for strikes and conceding just a pair of singles and a double. The 25-year-old's velocity remained with him for the entire outing, as he retired the last nine batters he faced and hit 95 mph with his final pitch of the day. He is slated to pitch again Friday against the White Sox.

Houck took a no-decision versus Cleveland on Sunday. He allowed three runs on one hit, four walks and three hit batters while striking out three over 5.1 innings.

EDGE Analysis

Usually, just about any number of one-hit innings can be considered good for a starter, but Houck put a lot of traffic on the basepaths without Cleveland having to do much. He still kept the home team off the board for five innings before a sloppy sixth. The 25-year-old saw his ERA rise slightly to 3.63 with a 1.21 WHIP and 55:12 K:BB across 44.2 innings. Since he had walked just eight batters through his first 10 appearances this year, it's safe to assume Sunday's start was a wild anomaly. He lines up for a home rematch versus Cleveland next weekend.

Houck allowed three earned runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out six across 4.2 innings Tuesday against the Twins. He did not factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Houck was recalled from Triple-A Worcester for the start, but his most recent outing in any professional game came with the Red Sox on Aug. 17. He wasn't particularly sharp, as he required 92 pitches to retire 14 batters and began only 11 of the 22 hitters he faced with a strike. Houck is expected to stick in the rotation moving forward, and the consistency in his role could help him work deeper into games as he's worked five innings only once in eight starts on the campaign. Houck has delivered high quality innings to this point, maintaining a 3.43 ERA with a 52:8 K:BB across 39.1 frames.

Houck was recalled Tuesday ahead of his scheduled start against the Twins, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

Houck continues to be sent to the minors after each start as the Red Sox take advantage of the roster rules to effectively use a 27-man roster. It's possible he returns to Triple-A again after Tuesday's start, but he hasn't actually pitched at that level since July 10. He's been excellent in the majors this season, cruising to a 3.12 ERA in 34.2 innings while striking out 31.9 percent of opposing batters and walking just 4.9 percent. Jarren Duran was optioned to clear space for him on the roster.