DETROIT -- Mired in the worst slump of his career, Red Sox righty Tanner Houck was placed on the 15-day injured list on Wednesday with a right flexor pronator strain.
Cooper Criswell was recalled from Triple-A Worcester to take Houck’s spot on the roster.
The way the timing works out, Walker Buehler, who has been sidelined with right shoulder inflammation, can take Houck’s spot in the rotation when he is activated in a few days, likely when the Mets are in town to start next week.
Houck’s next scheduled turn in the rotation was on Sunday. But with the team having an off-day on Thursday, Brayan Bello can start Sunday’s game against the Braves on regular rest if the Red Sox want him to.
In a 14-2 loss in Monday’s opener of this three-game series against the Tigers, Houck was belted around for nine hits and 11 earned runs in just 2 1/3 innings.
It was the second time in the span of a month Houck allowed 11 runs in fewer than three innings.
Asked after Monday’s start if he was healthy, Houck said he was.
The results indicate something might be bothering him. The righty is 0-3 with an 8.04 ERA in nine starts this season.
In 2024, Houck had a tremendous first half and was an All-Star for the first time in his career. He finished the season with a 9-10 record and a 3.12 ERA while notching career highs in starts (30) and innings (178 2/3).
Known for his laid-back demeanor, Houck struck a much different tone following Monday’s start.
“This is definitely probably the most lost I've ever been,” said Houck. “And just not getting the job done, which weighs on me heavily.”
After an 11-inning loss to the Tigers on Tuesday, Criswell gives manager Alex Cora another arm in the bullpen.
The 28-year-old righty has pitched in three games for the Red Sox this season, allowing eight runs (five earned) in 4 1/3 innings. At Worcester, Criswell has a 1.99 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP with 31 strikeouts in five games, four of them starts.