Red Sox: Alex Cora gives demoralizing update on key bullpen arm

The Boston Red Sox bullpen has been falling apart before our eyes all season, and this update from Alex Cora will be another reason to be upset.

The Boston Red Sox bullpen has been victim to several meltdowns this season, and Alex Cora provided an update that makes them seem a lot more likely to fall apart. According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, Cora shared that Tanner Houck will likely have back surgery.

Houck’s season is most likely over, which will certainly make closing games out much more difficult for the Red Sox.

Luckily, there are a few other reliable pitchers available that may be able to hold the Red Sox down.

There’s still hope in a few other Red Sox bullpen pitchers

Houck was among some of the best closers in Boston. This season, he’s produced an ERA of 3.15, batting average against of .226 and WHIP of 1.18. He was a frequent relief pitcher.

However, there are other options that may be able to hold the team together. Garrett Whitlock, for example, is also reliable and has had a decent season. In some areas, he’s pitched better than Houck. Whitlock has produced an ERA of 3.19, BAA of .217 and WHIP of 1.00 this season.

There’s also John Schreiber, who has been better than both Whitlock and Houck this season. Schreiber has produced an ERA of 2.18, BAA of .188 and WHIP of 0.91.

The Red Sox don’t rank well in the league with their pitchers, however. They have the sixth-worst league ERA (4.57), opponent batting average (.254) and WHIP (1.34). Though a few other bullpen pitchers can be relied upon, Houck’s absence will certainly be noticeable and Boston could use any help they can get against teams that rank much higher.