Houck, Crochet take key steps in rehab, with eyes on joining 'pen

ARLINGTON -- Tanner Houck continued his rehab assignment with his third Minor League appearance on Tuesday, while Garrett Crochet threw another bullpen session at Fenway Park as both worked toward returning to Boston in relief roles.

Houck struck out the side and issued one walk in a scoreless inning with Triple-A Worcester against Durham.

The right-hander entered in the seventh and struck out Oliver Dunn looking at a 94.1 mph fastball. He then walked a batter before getting Austin Slater to swing through a 93.6 mph four-seamer and Jack Suwinski to chase an 83.5 mph sweeper.

Houck threw 22 pitches (11 strikes) and reached 94.2 mph with his fastball.

The 30-year-old is expected to make his next appearance Saturday, with Boston planning to evaluate him afterward. Houck, who underwent Tommy John surgery last year, was initially placed on the 60-day injured list with a torn right ulnar collateral ligament and a right flexor pronator strain

Crochet also took another step in his recovery.

The 2025 American League Cy Young Award runner-up threw a 30-pitch bullpen session at Fenway Park. Interim manager Chad Tracy said the session went well, and the Red Sox will see how Crochet responds before determining his next step.

Crochet has been building up his workload and intensity in recent bullpen sessions. He threw 25 pitches in his previous session Friday, when he incorporated his sweeper and threw his fastball in the 92-93 mph range.

The 27-year-old has been on the 15-day injured list since April 29 with left shoulder inflammation. He made six starts before the injury after opening the season as Boston’s ace.