The Boston Red Sox could get starting pitcher Tanner Houck prior to the 2026 regular season conclusion, but his postseason availability for the Red Sox remains undecided as the right-hander continues rebuilding his workload following elbow surgery.

MLB.com’s official Red Sox injury tracker provided the latest update on his recovery and potential return:

“RHP Tanner Houck Injury: Torn ulnar collateral ligament right elbow/right flexor pronator strain IL date: Feb. 10 (60-day IL) Expected return: Aiming for late regular season Status: Pitched a scoreless inning in his third rehab appearance on Sept. 15 with Triple-A Worcester. Expected to pitch again Sept. 18 trying to reach 45-, 50-pitch range. (Last updated: Sept. 16)”

Now in his seventh official MLB campaign, Houck has not pitched in a Major League game since May 12, 2025. His previous rehab attempt ended last July before he underwent a hybrid reconstruction of his right ulnar collateral ligament with flexor tendon repair on August 18, 2025.

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The Red Sox are preparing the veteran for a relief role rather than asking him to return to the rotation. The best-case scenario would involve Houck appearing in one or two games during the final week of the regular season before a potential postseason roster decision.

There is still no guarantee that happens. Houck’s third rehab appearance came Tuesday with Triple-A Worcester, when he struck out three and walked one during a scoreless inning. He threw 22 pitches, 11 for strikes, and reached 94.2 mph with his fastball.

He also worked out of the bullpen during Boston’s 2021 postseason run, making five relief appearances and throwing 10.1 innings, experience that could ease a short-term transition in October.

Houck is expected to pitch Friday and work into the 45- to 50-pitch range. His performance and recovery from that outing will help determine whether a late-season return remains realistic and whether the Red Sox consider him worthy of receiving a spot on the postseason bullpen role.