“He was OK. A lot of pitches in the middle of the zone,” manager Alex Cora said before Boston’s game against the Reds on Monday. “Command wasn’t great. So we’ve just gotta keep working.” Houck threw 42 of his 65 pitches (64.6%) for strikes.

Alex Bregman and Masataka Yoshida are among players working their way back from injury. Manager Alex Cora offered updates on them and more.

The struggling Boston Red Sox could be getting some offensive help soon. Manager Alex Cora said Masataka Yoshida would start a rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday. The 31-year-old DH/outfielder has been out the entire season following surgery on his right shoulder in October.