Tanner Houck Opens Up About Rough All-Star Game Performance

Tanner Houck wasn’t lights out Tuesday night in Texas, but the Red Sox right-hander focused on the positives after his first MLB All-Star Game appearance.

The third inning of the Midsummer Classic belonged to Houck, who went from bullpen candidate to sure-handed starter for Boston in the span of a year. The 28-year-old was roughed up by the National League, allowing three hits including a 400-foot home run to Shohei Ohtani.

Nonetheless, Houck thoroughly enjoyed the All-Star experience, which he called “the best 48 hours of his life.” He also didn’t completely view his shaky outing in a negative light.

“Honestly, I felt like all three of the hits I executed pretty well,” told reporters, per a video from WEEI’s Rob Bradford. “From a feel standpoint, that’s the best I’ve felt on a mound in probably a month with my delivery, with feel of all my pitches. Just got to be a little bit more fine. That’s all it is.”

Fortunately for Houck, he wasn’t saddled with a loss at Globe Life Field. Five unanswered runs — including two from Red Sox teammate and All-Star Game MVP Jarren Duran — lifted the American League to a 5-3 win.

Now, it’s back to business for Houck, Duran and the rest of the 2024 All-Stars. Boston will resume its regular season Friday evening in Los Angeles.