The Boston Red Sox on August 18 annoucned that some of their longest injured list stints may soon be at their end. Roman Anthony has begun a rehab assignment and Garrett Crochet is gearing up for a potential return in a relief role, but some of Boston's lower-profile injured players are also working their way back to action.
Tanner Houck, Johan Oviedo and Kutter Crawford have all reached the throwing stages of their recoveries from different injuries. Houck is the furthest along in his recovery and he's already facing hitters, according to Tim Healey of The Boston Globe.
Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy has said that Houck is in the conversation for a bullpen role following his activation. He still needs to go on a rehab assignment, and a long one, given that he had UCL reconstruction surgery a year ago, but depth is always a good thing, whenever it comes.
Oviedo has been on the IL since March 31 with an elbow strain. The day before, he made one, 3.2 inning start for Boston and allowed four runs on six hits.
Red Sox pitchers Tanner Houck, Johan Oviedo and Kutter Crawford recovery updates as final month of the season approaches
Oviedo has begun his throwing progression but hasn't yet faced hitters (subscription required). Crawford is reportedly behind him in his progression, but throwing. Both pitchers still have a lot of building up to do before a rehab assignment is even in the picture (especially Crawford, who hasn't pitched in a game since 2024 after experiencing setback after setback) but if they can make it back into action before the end of the season, they'll also be great bullpen depth.
The Red Sox could use more bullpen depth under any circumstance, — as could any team in the playoff race — but the recent injuries to Garrett Whitlock and Justin Slaten are devastating blows to their relief group. Houck is seemingly the only injured pitcher close enough to a return to take either of their spots, provided he can go on a rehab assignment within the next week or so.
Boston has the best bullpen in the league this year with a 2.93 ERA as a group, but some of their top arms are growing exhausted — Greg Weissert and Jovani Morán have pitched 47.1 and 49 innings, respectively. Houck (and maybe Oviedo and Crawford, if they can be ready soon enough) will be great support to Boston's taxed bullpen in the last weeks of the season.
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