As the 2025 fantasy baseball season progresses into Week 5, several high-profile players are struggling, raising questions for their fantasy managers. Tanner Houck, the once All-Star pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, is floundering with a 7.58 ERA over six starts, prompting a recommendation to drop him as alternatives abound on the waiver wire. Meanwhile, Kyren Paris of the Los Angeles Angels soared initially but has plummeted into a dreadful slump, requiring a drop as well.

For the New York Yankees, Devin Williams has lost his closer role, but patience is advised as he may regain his form. Nick Kurtz, the Athletics' promising first baseman, is recommended to hold onto for potential upside despite a slow start. Lastly, Dodgers' Roki Sasaki shows promise with a 3.55 ERA, but his high walk rate suggests selling while his value remains intact.

Lucas Giolito is set to make his Boston Red Sox debut on Wednesday against the Blue Jays, following recovery from a left hamstring strain. Manager Alex Cora confirmed Giolito is healthy, despite a 5.19 ERA in five rehab starts. Garrett Crochet will start the series opener against Toronto, and Tanner Houck is expected to pitch on Thursday. Walker Buehler, who participated in a doubleheader, is scheduled for Friday's game against the Twins.

Injury updates reveal Kutter Crawford is rehabbing in Fort Myers, Richard Fitts is gradually increasing his throwing distance, while Masataka Yoshida's rehab is ongoing without a set timeline. Additionally, Connor Wong has started his rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester after recovering from a fractured pinky.

The Boston Red Sox took an early lead with three runs in the first inning, but Tanner Houck faltered, surrendering four runs to the Cleveland Guardians, leading to a 5-4 loss in the first game of a doubleheader. Despite struggling initially, Houck managed to keep the Guardians scoreless through the next four innings, finishing with a line of four runs on eight hits over five innings, striking out six. Manager Alex Cora praised Houck's adjustments post-first inning but emphasized the need for a 'shutdown inning' after the early onslaught. With a troubling 7.58 ERA this season, Houck aims to refine his approach, especially with his splitter against left-handed hitters.

In a scheduled matchup, the Boston Red Sox were set to face the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field with Tanner Houck on the mound. However, rain forced a postponement, pushing the game to a doubleheader on Saturday. Hitters for the Guardians have a poor record against Houck, while Red Sox hitters have similarly struggled against Ben Lively, the opposing pitcher. Rafael Devers continues to struggle at the plate despite leading the American League in walks. Trevor Story is also in a slump, going hitless in his last three games, while Wilyer Abreu's performance this season has been disappointing.

The Boston Red Sox suffered a disappointing defeat against the Chicago White Sox, losing 8-4 at Fenway Park. Zack Kelly, the Red Sox reliever who took over in the seventh inning, struggled to maintain a two-run lead, allowing a single and hitting two batters, which resulted in the game being tied after he exited. Manager Alex Cora praised Tanner Houck's strong performance and emphasized the need for the bullpen to be more consistent.

Kelly expressed frustration over his performance, citing a lack of confidence and admitting he hasn't been as effective as his ERA suggests. Despite striking out eleven batters across ten innings this season, he has allowed runs in five consecutive outings. The loss drops Boston to 12-11 overall, raising concerns about their bullpen's ability to protect leads.