Red Sox fall to Cubs 4-1 on July 20, 2025, as bats go cold. Get the recap and a crucial injury update on pitcher Tanner Houck's rehab setback.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a rough Sunday at the Friendly Confines for the Boston Red Sox. A listless offense couldn't solve Cubs pitching, leading to a frustrating 4-1 loss in the series finale. The defeat was compounded by discouraging news from the trainer's room, as a key arm suffered a significant setback on his road to recovery, leaving fans to wonder where the spark will come from on this tough road trip.
The Red Sox managed just six hits and left seven runners on base, with no player recording more than one hit in the loss.
The Red Sox offense never found its rhythm at Wrigley Field on Sunday. Despite a few sparks from Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu, the lineup couldn't string together enough quality at-bats to pose a real threat. The team went 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position and left seven men stranded, a familiar and frustrating story for a club that has struggled with consistency. Boston's starter battled through six innings but was tagged for four runs, while the bullpen did its job holding the line. Unfortunately, it was too little, too late, as the 4-1 loss sealed a series defeat and dropped the Sox to 53-46 on the season.
Just when it seemed like the pitching staff was about to get a boost, the team announced a major setback for Tanner Houck. The right-hander was returned from his minor-league rehab assignment after experiencing a recurrence of the right pronator strain that has kept him out for weeks. This is a tough pill to swallow, as Houck's return was seen as a critical reinforcement for the rotation. Now, his timeline is uncertain, and the Red Sox's pitching depth will be tested once again as they navigate a crucial stretch of the season.
In a smaller piece of news, the front office made a move to bolster organizational depth behind the plate. The Red Sox acquired catcher Blake Sabol from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for international bonus pool money. Sabol, who has been playing in Triple-A, provides another option and some much-needed insurance for the catching position. While not a blockbuster deal, it's a practical move that adds a layer of protection against potential injuries as the August trade deadline looms.
The loss stings, and the Houck news is a genuine blow to the pitching staff's stability. With the team now 53-46 and four games back in the division, the pressure is mounting. As the trade deadline inches closer, these next few games aren't just about bouncing back—they're about proving to the front office that this roster is worth investing in for a postseason push. The bats need to wake up, and fast.
