That is a big "IF," but if you compare Houck with the Perezof late, yes, it's clear, but I doubt GMs go by just recency valuations.
The Perez of his first 11 starts was a 3.09 Perez.
The Perez of an 8 game stretch early in the year was a .614 OPS Against Perez.
The sample size on Houck is very small, and it should include his 5.14 ERA in AAA, this year (18 innings- some in rehab).
I'd say Sale will take Richards' slot.
Perez gets a couple more starts to show improvement, at least, unless he totally bombs.