Tanner Houck (elbow) threw 48 pitches and allowed one run over three innings in a minor league rehab appearance for Double-A Portland on Friday.

Houck is expected to make another rehab outing for Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday. The 30-year-old’s ultimate role with the Red Sox remains a bit murky, but he could function as either a traditional starter or bulk reliever during the postseason. He’s been working his way back from last year’s elbow surgery.