Red Sox’s Houck Suffers Facial Fracture After Taking Line Drive to Head

The veteran pitcher walked off the field under his own power following a scary scene during Friday’s game against the Yankees.

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.

Prayers for him and hoping everything is alright. pic.twitter.com/nva2QBwLgk

— Dillard Barnhart (@BarnHasSpoken2) June 17, 2023

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.