The Red Sox will activate Tanner Houck from the injured list to start Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Cubs at Tropicana Field, where Boston will serve as the home team after the game was relocated because of the nor’easter.
Houck, 30, has spent the season recovering from Tommy John surgery. He posted a 3.38 ERA and 0.88 WHIP with nine strikeouts and four walks over four minor league rehab appearances.
After finishing seventh in the American League with a 3.12 ERA over 30 starts in 2024, Houck struggled to an 0-3 record and 8.04 ERA over nine starts before undergoing surgery and missing the remainder of last season.
To make room, Boston optioned right-hander Jedixson Paez to Triple-A Worcester and transferred outfielder Eli White to the 60-day injured list.
The Red Sox also officially placed Mickey Gasper and reliever Tyron Guerrero on the injured list, ruling both out for the Wild Card Series against the Yankees.
Gasper suffered what manager Chad Tracy described as a “significant” right biceps injury while striking out during the fifth inning of Friday’s 4-3 win over the Cubs.
Looks like something was barking for Mickey Gasper on this swing... not good. pic.twitter.com/WoxWQhDF7F
— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) September 25, 2026
“At this point, it looks like a significant biceps injury, so he’s going to still be seeing more doctors and stuff like that,” Tracy said Friday. “We’ll get the final conclusion, but it’s a pretty significant biceps injury. It’s probably going to take him out.”
Gasper, 30, emerged as a valuable and versatile piece for the Red Sox this season, batting .251 with a .357 on-base percentage, .466 slugging percentage and .823 OPS over 67 games. He had 10 doubles, nine homers and 24 RBI while making starts at catcher, first base and designated hitter.
Between Boston and Triple-A Worcester, Gasper hit 19 home runs this season. His ability to handle multiple roles made him a useful piece of Boston’s roster and makes his loss ahead of the Wild Card Series particularly significant.
Willson Contreras puts the @RedSox on the board first 💪 pic.twitter.com/RA1zRixHYB
— MLB (@MLB) September 17, 2026
There was better news regarding Willson Contreras. After missing the past week with a hand injury, the All-Star first baseman is back in Sunday’s lineup, batting third as the designated hitter. His return would provide a significant boost before Boston opens its Wild Card Series against the Yankees on Tuesday night at 8 p.m.