Tanner Houck scratched from start at Yankee Stadium due to shoulder fatigue

Tanner Houck was unable to make his scheduled start for the Boston Red Sox against the New York Yankees due to right shoulder fatigue. This decision was made shortly before the game, leading to rookie Richard Fitts stepping in as the starting pitcher. Fitts, who was acquired from the Yankees in a trade last December, was making only his second career start in a crucial game for both teams as they vie for playoff positions. Houck, a 28-year-old right-hander, had a solid season with an 8-10 record and a 3.24 ERA over 28 starts, but he has struggled recently, going winless in his last nine outings. His last appearance was on September 4 against the Mets, where he took the loss after allowing four runs in five innings. The decision to scratch him from the start was influenced by his recent shoulder soreness, which had already delayed his pitching schedule. Richard Fitts made his major league debut just days prior, where he performed admirably, allowing only two runs, none earned, in 5 2/3 innings against the Chicago White Sox. The Red Sox entered the game trailing the Minnesota Twins by 4.5 games for the final AL wild card spot, while the Yankees were leading the American League with a strong record. In related news, Red Sox reliever Liam Hendriks expressed hope to return this season despite a setback in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. His rehabilitation will include a cortisone injection, and his return will depend on the team's performance in the pennant race.