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3 prospects that should make Red Sox Opening Day roster

By Scott Rogust

BOSTON, MA - AUGUST 30: Bobby Dalbec #29 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after hitting a two run home run for his first career hit in his Major League Debut during the third inning of a game against the Washington Nationals on August 30, 2020 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The 2020 season had been postponed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - AUGUST 30: Bobby Dalbec #29 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after hitting a two run home run for his first career hit in his Major League Debut during the third inning of a game against the Washington Nationals on August 30, 2020 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The 2020 season had been postponed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. RHP. Boston Red Sox. Tanner Houck. 2.. player. 14

When it comes to the Red Sox, their starting rotation is far from the deepest. Last season they were put at a massive disadvantage after Chris Sale underwent Tommy John surgery and Eduardo Rodriguez opted out after contracting COVID-19. With a lack of options last season, the Red Sox got a look at top pitching prospect Tanner Houck.

After posting a 4.01 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and an 8-6 record in 33 games the 2019 season, Houck finally received his shot in the majors this past September. And he did not squander it.

Houck made his MLB debut against the Miami Marlins, where he struck out seven batters and surrendered just two hits in five innings of work. The young pitcher’s second start came against the rival Yankees, and he secured his second victory after allowing just one hit and one run in Boston’s 10-2 victory. In his final start of the 2020 season, Houck had his best performance against the Atlanta Braves, where he struck out 10 batters in six innings on the mound.

Overall, Houck tallied a 3-0 record, 0.53 ERA and 0.88 WHIP. Not bad for a rookie making his debut in the bigs.

This season, Rodriguez, Nathan Eovaldi and Garrett Richards are locks for the top three spots in the rotation. However, the final spot will be up for grabs and Houck is reportedly not guaranteed the gig. He will have to show out throughout Spring Training to earn it, but last season showed that he is deserving of an Opening Day roster spot.

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