After a long rollercoaster of a season, the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox will close it out at Tropicana Field due to a dangerous nor'easter over Massachusetts and many other states. The Red Sox and Cubs have both clinched playoff spots so the outcome of game 162 can't benefit or hinder either team.
Because of the lack of stakes, the Red Sox can take a risk. Tanner Houck will start the game for Boston after spending the entire season on the injured list healing Tommy John surgery, according to Tim Healey of The Boston Globe.
There has been no report on the expected length of Houck's start. The Red Sox could try to get multiple innings out of him to rest as many pitchers as possible, or he could pitch one or two frames with a bullpen game to follow. Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports that Houck has been built up for about three innings of work, but an appearance of that length could take him out of consideration for Red Sox's Wild Card roster since he's fresh off a long-term injury (subscription required).
Houck hasn't pitched in the big leagues since May 12, 2025. After he posted a career-best 3.12 ERA as Boston's ace in 2024, Houck experienced a severe regression in 2025. He logged an 8.04 ERA and 1.69 WHIP over 43.2 frames last season. The Red Sox optioned him to Triple-A to figure out his struggles, but he never looked as good as he did the year before. Late in the season, Boston discovered his injury and he underwent surgery.
Red Sox activate Tanner Houck for surprise game 162 start, put Tyron Guerrero back on IL with shoulder issue
Houck and the Red Sox have been pushing for the righty's return as a bullpen arm, and there's now an easy roster spot for him after more brutal Sox injury news. Tyron Guerrero has been placed back on the injured list with a shoulder strain. Healey reports that the injury will keep him out for at least the first two rounds of the postseason.
Guerrero was on the IL from September 1-20 with right shoulder inflammation and losing him again is a crushing blow for Boston's bullpen. The flamethrower quickly emerged as a key setup man for the Sox this year and they'll be short a dangerous option in the later innings. He posted a 3.10 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 41 strikeouts and eight walks over 40.2 frames this season.
Guerrero's absence puts more pressure on the Sox's relief arms to maintain the high standard they've set as a group this year (league-best 2.99 ERA). Houck will hopefully be joined in the bullpen by Garrett Crochet, who is also hopinig to make a triumphant return as a reliever in the coming days. Boston will also need lefty setup man Erik Miller at his best following some recent mechanical struggles.
Add us as a preferred source on Google