What James Paxton's return means for Red Sox rotation

Who should stay in the rotation: Tanner Houck

Going into the 2023 season, Tanner Houck looked like the surprise pick to be in the rotation, and early on many called for the Red Sox to reconsider their decision and immediately put him back into the bullpen, "where he belonged" as some would say.

His numbers in 2023, however, have caused many to rethink that, and maybe let him stay in the rotation. After winning his first two starts of the season, his third followed as a no-decision -- but team win. Following this, he suffered two losses and another no-decision, but that's not to say his starts haven't been solid.

While he may not have won every game, not only have the Red Sox have won nearly every game he has pitched in this season, but Houck has also racked up 33 strikeouts in seven games -- giving him an average of nearly five per game. He also has only walked 14.

Watch for Houck to stay in the rotation for awhile, unless Boston is in desperate need of a bullpen arm, or maybe a hybrid-arm.