Things may be starting to turn around for last year's Red Sox first-round pick Tanner Houck.
Having struggled through the majority of his first full professional season, the righty starter turned in six no-hit innings for Single-A Salem Thursday night. The performance almost led to a combined no-hitter for Salem against Lynchburg, but reliever Joan Martinez allowed a single with two outs in the ninth inning to Luke Wakamatsu (son of former Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu) to spoil the line.
Houck has been attempting to alter his approach throughout this season, with the organization attempting to get the righty to become more of a four-seam, power pitcher instead of one who relies heavily on his slider. The University of Missouri product has also implemented a curveball for the first time. (Assistant pitching coach Brian Bannister spoke at length about Houck's progression when recently appearing on the Bradfo Sho podcast. To listen, click here.)
Houck's ERA still stands at 5.50, having come off an outing in which he allowed six runs over 3 2/3 innings.
Houck made an impression during spring training when striking out both J.D. Martinez and Mookie Betts in a minor-league game. (For more on that moment, click here.)
