The Boston Red Sox received encouraging injury updates on two key players this week, offering a measure of hope as the team navigates the stretch run of the regular season.
Outfielder Roman Anthony took overhand batting practice in the cage for the first time Tuesday, marking clear progress in his recovery from a hand injury that has sidelined him since early May.
Interim manager Chad Tracy described the session as another step in the right direction for the young player. Anthony had been limited to softer work such as tee drills and soft toss before advancing to full overhand swings.
Tracy emphasized that the club remains cautious. Officials plan to introduce new elements gradually and monitor how Anthony’s hand responds after each increase in intensity.
Next phases for Anthony could involve batting practice on the field, work against higher-velocity machines, and sessions on specialized equipment that mimics major league pitching. Only after clearing those hurdles would a minor league rehab assignment become possible.
“Roman continues to swing. Today he actually took overhand BP in the cage, which is another step in the right direction,” Tracy said. “So we’re kind of like, you’re in phases with this. Early on, it was tee and flips, which he managed well. He had BP today for the first time, it’s a scheduled recovery day tomorrow, and then get back to overhand BP again. So we’ll keep him in this phase now and see how he responds to that, and then hopefully, advance him past that. But he’s doing well.”
Anthony’s absence has been felt in the outfield and lineup. The 22-year-old showed promise before the injury but has missed significant time while the organization managed the recovery carefully.
Meanwhile, left-hander Garrett Crochet picked up a baseball and began throwing Monday for the first time in roughly two months. He worked at short distances of 50 to 60 feet.
Tracy called the activity the very infant stages of a throwing program. Crochet has been out since late April after dealing with shoulder inflammation and related issues that cut short a strong previous campaign.
Despite the early nature of the work, Tracy expressed optimism about a possible return this season.
“He’s got a chance, for sure,” the manager said.
Any path back for Crochet would require a measured buildup, potentially resembling a condensed spring training progression. The club has not discussed shifting him to a relief role later in the year, though that option could theoretically shorten the timeline if needed.
Crochet’s absence has left a void in the starting rotation. The left-hander entered the year with high expectations after finishing near the top of Cy Young voting the prior season, only to struggle in limited early outings before landing on the injured list.
The updates come as the Red Sox continue to evaluate several other injured players. Progress reports on additional pitchers and position players remain mixed, with some advancing more slowly than others.
Tracy’s comments before a recent home series underscored a patient approach across the board. The organization prioritizes long-term health over rushing anyone back, especially with playoff implications still in play.
For fans and the club alike, the visible steps taken by Anthony and Crochet provide a welcome boost. Both players represent important pieces if Boston hopes to strengthen its roster in the coming weeks.
Whether either rejoins the active roster before the end of the regular season remains uncertain. Much depends on how their bodies respond as the workload increases.
Still, the simple facts that Anthony is swinging overhand and Crochet has a ball in his hand again count as positive developments after months of limited activity. The Red Sox will continue monitoring both closely in the days ahead.
