Positive News Regarding Red Sox's Closer's Injury

Earlier this month, it was unclear if he would pitch again this season. 

Now Tanner Houck says he's feeling much better and hopes to pitch again this season. 

There's a lot of good news here for Houck. First off, he resumed throwing again on flat ground and is feeling good. He also didn't require a cortisone injection or surgery to deal with the disc issue in his back, as was speculated. 

-Tanner Houck resumed throwing today on flat ground and is feeling good. That's a big step compared to the possibility of surgery a couple weeks ago. Houck will start building back up and Cora hopes he'll pitch by the end of the season
-Bello is possibility to start tomorrow

— Jen McCaffrey (@jcmccaffrey) August 23, 2022

Houck has visited with numerous spine specialists and, ultimately, decided he didn't need surgery to deal with this issue. 

It's looking more optimistic that Houck will indeed be able to return this season, but he'll definitely need a few weeks to build up his stamina and strength again, given how much time he's been out for. 

Photo Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Time is running out for Houck to make an impact on the Boston Red Sox's playoff hopes, however, as the team is slowly slipping out of contention, now seven games back of the Toronto Blue Jays for the third AL Wild Card spot. 

Houck has a 3.15 ERA, a 1.18 WHIP and 56 strikeouts in 60 innings this season. He's also been a valuable closer for them, converting eight saves on the season. 

Photo Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports