The Red Sox provided an update on the status of starter Tanner Houck on Saturday less than a day after the pitcher took a line drive to his face during a game against the Yankees.
Houck, 26, was forced out of Friday’s matchup in the fifth inning thanks to a facial contusion he sustained on a comebacker from Yankees catcher Kyle Higashioka that clocked in at a reported 87 mph off the bat.
In Saturday’s update, the Red Sox announced Houck, who was seen with a bloodied cheek before walking off the field, has been diagnosed with a facial fracture following an evaluation at Massachusetts General Hospital. The club noted Houck is currently resting at his home in stable condition, and will undergo follow-up testing next week to assess next steps.
The news aligns with post-game comments made by Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who told reporters the team was staying hopeful after the right-hander maintained consciousness following the scary hit.
Scary situation in Boston as Tanner Houck gets hit in the face.
— Dillard Barnhart (@BarnHasSpoken2) June 17, 2023
Prayers for him and hoping everything is alright. pic.twitter.com/nva2QBwLgk
Prior to exiting, Houck logged two strikeouts, giving him 64 on the season, and one walk while allowing one run on four hits. Boston (35–35) won the matchup, 15–5.
