Hasn’t it become so easy lately to create a cloud of confusion over something that could make a big difference if it’s true or not? Well, that’s exactly what’s happening around Boston. Want us to be more particular? It’s swirling around 28-year-old Tanner Houck. It’s not exactly surprising because, given his rough recent outings, speculations were bound to be raised. In the midst of it all, a post has been surfacing that has a bold claim to offer. But how true is it?

Turns out, Fax Sports, a parody account curated to mimic Fox Sports, has recently stated that “The Red Sox have designated Tanner Houck for assignment.” Fax Sports didn’t hold back in circulating such a claim just based on his recent performance. However, it holds no truth. Yes, Tanner Houck hasn’t been designated for assignment by the Red Sox. The Boston Red Sox haven’t officially made any such announcement. The post by Fax Sports was posted just to make the most of the pitcher’s current struggles.

Speaking of struggles, Houck, who, by the way, was once an all-star, has clearly been in a slump. His numbers have been anything but kind to him. His latest start was against the Tampa Bay Rays, and well, it was brutally rough for him. He lasted just 2⅓ innings and surrendered 11 runs on 10 hits. The man behind it all?

It was Yandy Díaz who made a statement early in the game by taking Houk’s very first pitch of the matchup. Many hits came off the bat at over 100 mph. Just hinting to you all how strong the opposing lineup was.

This wasn’t a one-time thing, though. Looking back at Houk’s final spring training. His outing against the Tampa Bay Rays once again let Houk surrender 10 runs on 12 hits in 3 2/3 innings. Now you know why he’s been a target for all such criticism. To clear it off once again, no, Tanner Houck has not been designated for assignment.

Alex Cora opened up about the narrative around Tanner Houck after his shaky start

Yes, by now you already know how Tanner Houck had a rough start against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. What you might not know is how all the fingers were directly pointed at Houck. And to be precise, there was a growing word around if Houck had been tipping pitches.

Meanwhile, it didn’t make much sense to the Red Sox manager, Alex Cora. He reportedly stated, “I don’t believe so.” Cora couldn’t wrap his head around this speculation. He continued, “If you look at the balls they hit hard, they were in the middle of the plate. There were, of course, some balls that went by; we didn’t play good defense behind him.” He emphasized the approach and how they put some great swings on him. Cora didn’t buy it.

But Houck’s struggles are impossible to ignore. Since his All-Star break, he has registered a 1-5 record along with a 5.38 ERA. During his matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays, he held them to just 1 run across 6⅔ innings.

Houck took a moment to acknowledge the situation and stated, “Delivery has kind of been struggling in spring training.” Well, he realizes where things are going wrong. Now it’s just a matter of time before he’s going to come back stronger than ever.

For now, all eyes will be on Tanner Houck till he proves to the Red Sox nation that he will regain the lost momentum.