Reinforcements Reportedly On Way As Red Sox Could Have Stud Pitcher Back Soon

The Boston Red Sox are starting to get reinforcements back in the mix at the perfect time.

Boston recently got star shortstop Trevor Story and starting pitcher Chris Sale back after various injuries and now reportedly will have Tanner Houck back in the starting rotation shortly after most likely just one more rehab start, according to MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo.

"Houck will likely make one more rehab start and return during the series in Houston as a starter," Cotillo said. "Sox will mix in openers even at full strength and expect to have one for a game against the (Los Angeles Dodgers) during that series."

Boston is set to begin a four-game series against the Houston Astros on August 22nd and it sounds like Houck will start one of the contests. The right-handed hurler's return to the mound only could help a Red Sox club that has been forced to rely on bullpen openers far too much over the last few months. The Red Sox lost Houck, Sale, and Garrett Whitlock and have since held the rotation together with a heavy reliance on the bullpen.

Houck last appeared in a game for Boston on June 17 where he suffered a facial fracture after being struck with a line drive. So far this season the righty has compiled a 5.05 ERA in 13 starts, but at the very least could help provide Boston more of a breather. The Red Sox currently are just three games out of an American League Wild Card spot and could use all of the help they can get. Houck's eventual return couldn't come at a better time as Boston looks to make up ground in the standings.

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