Tanner Houck can boost saves category
Christopher Crawford spotlights converted Boston Red Sox reliever Tanner Houck and explains why he has a real shot to become the team's closer.
Video Transcript
- Boston has been playing much better as of late, but this is a bullpen that has provided more questions than answers so far in 2022. It's possible they found a solution in a former starter, however, in the form of Tanner Houck. Houck was tasked with saving a pair of games in the series against the Mariners over the weekend and he was able to convert both. It's also worth pointing out that the game he didn't get a chance to close was Saturday and Hansel Robles blew that save opportunity.
In 12 games in relief, the former first round pick has a 2.77 ERA with a 28 to 9 strikeout to walk ratio and he's allowed just a .568 OPS while looking much more comfortable being able to go 100% as a member of the bullpen. It's never been a question of stuck with Houck, but it's been about whether or not he can throw enough quality strikes to get through a line up two to three times.
That's no longer an issue when he's coming into high leverage situations where he can just throw his mid to high 90s fastball, swing and miss slider, and with the occasional chase left handers. Houck is still available in the majority of leagues right now and anyone who needs saves should look to swoop him up. It's very easy to see him getting the most of the chances going forward.
