Tanner Houck

“When I was there,” former Red Sox managerial quipster Terry Francona said, “we couldn’t even do the introductions in an hour and 49.”

Houck nearly lost his rotation spot last May and had to fight for it again this spring. But he has proved his mettle, throwing a "Maddux."

“We see them as mature kids that have gone through the process," Alex Cora said. "They're stronger compared to last year."

The next guy in charge of the Red Sox will determine who sticks around as a starter in 2024. Crawford has earned consideration.

The Red Sox couldn't take the series against the Dodgers, and now play a crucial three-gamer against fellow wild-card contenders the Astros.

Unlike last year when pitching injuries derailed them much earlier, the Red Sox have stayed within striking distance in the wild-card race.

Despite being in last place, the Red Sox are optimistic due to some unexpected strong performances and key players getting ready to return.

“We joked he got a new face for his birthday,” Whitlock said — and as Houck's best friend on the team, he's allowed that kind of humor.

Houck's facial fracture leaves the already-thin Red Sox with issues at what was already a position of need.

Houck, 26, looks at veterans like 34-year-old James Paxton and sees what he wants to achieve, and what they have to teach.

Also: Who would fill in as the emergency catcher?

A refined splitter and a new cutter give Houck the potential to pitch deeper into games.

“I’m kind of remembering what it was like in ’21,” Whitlock said. “Like, this is what it’s supposed to feel like.”

The Red Sox were hoping to dive deep into the starting pitching market. When it moved against them, they opted to reinforce their bullpen.

“We may be picking on each other but it’s clearly brotherly picking on each other. Everyone else is like, you guys are children," Houck said

“What happened,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said of the turnaround in the game, “was Tanner Houck.”

Houck could be an effective multi-inning reliever right now. But both he and the Red Sox think there is more potential there.

Kiké Hernández delivered for the Red Sox, who benefitted from Yankees reliever Brooks Kriske throwing four wild pitches in the 10th inning.