USATSI
Boston Red Sox right-hander Tanner Houck went out Friday night’s opener against the New York Yankees (GameTracker) in the fifth inning after being hit in the face by a ball hit by Kyle Higashioka. Houck fell to his knees before eventually walking under his own power. He appeared to bleed from his right cheek before placing a towel over the spot, suggesting this may have been the point of contact. (Higashioka’s batted ball was measured by Statcast at an exit speed of 89.7 miles per hour.)
Houck had pitched well before the incident. In four innings he had given up a run on four hits and one walk. He had also hit two batters and thrown 41 of his 59 pitches to strikes.
The Red Sox used left-hander Joe Jacques in Houck’s place. Jacques, a former 33rd-round pick, recently made his major league debut after appearing in more than 140 minor league games.
Houck, 26, competed Friday after posting a 5.23 ERA (87 ERA+) and a 2.82 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his first 12 starts. He appeared to be on his way to his second straight start – both of which he happened to have against the Yankees.
It’s still too early to say if and how Houck’s availability will affect his next launch. The Red Sox have suffered a fair number of rotational injuries this season, although only veteran left-hander Chris Sale is currently on the roster. (Sales have been canceled since June 1 due to a shoulder infection.)
The Red Sox started Friday with a 34-35 season record, finishing bottom in the American League East. They were 14 ½ games behind the first seed Tampa Bay Rays.