Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Tanner Houck will undergo surgery next week to address a facial fracture caused by a line drive from Kyle Higashioka of the New York Yankees during a game on Friday.
Tanner Houck received the news from a doctor on Tuesday that a plate will be inserted to aid in the healing process. Red Sox manager Alex Cora acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. Still, he expressed relief that Houck is aware of his involvement in the recovery process, considering it the best news they could receive.
What happened
During the incident in the top of the fifth inning, with the Red Sox holding a commanding 13-1 lead, Houck was struck below his right eye by Higashioka’s line drive, which had an exit velocity of 89.7 mph. As the ball continued into the infield for an infield single, Houck dropped to his knees and instinctively covered his face with his hands. The 26-year-old right-hander eventually left the field under his power, with a towel covering a significant gash on his right cheek.
The incident shocked Houck’s teammates, but they were relieved to see him in good spirits. Teammate Justin Turner described it as a scary moment and expressed concern for Houck’s well-being. Although Turner didn’t have a chance to talk to Houck in the clubhouse, he mentioned that other players did and reported that Houck remained in good spirits before heading to the hospital for scans. Turner planned to check in on him and expressed hope that the injury would only require a few stitches and that Houck would be back on the field soon.
Prior to the injury, Houck had made 13 starts this season, accumulating a 5.05 ERA with 64 strikeouts over 67 2/3 innings pitched. After the massive victory on friday, the situation took a turn for the worse as the Yankees experienced back-to-back losses against the Red Sox.
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