Healey: Tanner Houck Shut Down Indefinitely Due To Flexor Soreness

Tanner Houck’s season is now in jeopardy after being shut down indefinitely following a lengthy rehab assignment, according to Tim Healey of the Boston Globe. Originally placed on the injured list back in Mid-May due to a right flexor pronator strain, Houck began his rehab on June 18th in Worcester and appeared in five games between Worcester and Portland.

Now it appears that his flexor soreness has returned, leaving his season status uncertain. While surgery has been ruled out at the moment, the team is unsure of what to do next.

“We gotta go to step one, I guess,” Alex Cora said when asked about Houck’s status for the remainder of the season.

Houck’s rehab assignment had concluded, and the team was required to either activate him and add him to the major league roster or option him to Triple-A Worcester. Instead, he will remain on the injured list as he attempts to work his way back once more.

The potential loss of Houck for the season could force the Red Sox to up their efforts in trading for a starter leading up to the trade deadline, especially with fellow starter Hunter Dobbins out for the remainder of the year.

Do you think Houck will make it back before the end of the year? Might surgery be the best option and have him come back at 100% next season? Does his setback make acquiring a starter the team's top priority? Leave your thoughts below down in the comments.