3 Boston Red Sox prospects make MLB’s 2021 All-Rookie team

Tanner Houck represents the Red Sox on MLB Pipeline’s 2021 All-Rookie team

Tanner Houck made his debut with three dazzling starts in 2020, all against postseason teams (Braves, Marlins, Yankees). He had a very solid 2021, too, especially when you consider that he was injured in the first half and then tossed back and forth between Triple-A and the big leagues like a tennis ball in play between the Williams sisters.

In 18 regular-season games – including 13 starts and his first career save – Houck posted a 3.52 ERA over 69 innings, with 87 strikeouts and 21 walks. His strikeout rate increased, while he lowered his walks rate from 4.8 in 2020 to 2.7 in 2021.

Houck is Second Team for this year’s All-Rookie squad, but he’s been crucial to his real team in October.

After Chris Sale was only able to go one inning in his Game 2 start in the ALDS, Houck stepped up. The rookie, who has been nicknamed the Righty Sale for their similarities, pitched five innings, allowing just one run on two hits and striking out five. Over three postseason appearances, he has not issued a single walk to 24 batters faced.

He’s the rare homegrown pitcher with real big-league potential, and by now, he’s earned a permanent spot on the roster for 2022.