Boston Red Sox fans hoping to see outfielder Roman Anthony back in the lineup for this weekend’s series against the New York Yankees received a deflating update on Friday.
Reports confirmed that Anthony was at Polar Park, the home of Triple-A Worcester, rather than traveling with the major league club. The sighting strongly suggested he would continue his minor-league rehab assignment instead of being activated in time for the four-game set with Boston’s chief rivals.
Anthony has been out since May 5 after partially tearing a ligament in his right ring finger the previous day against the Detroit Tigers. The injury cost the Red Sox one of their most promising young bats at a moment when the team was still finding its footing.
As the Yankees series approached, optimism had grown that he might return and give the lineup an immediate boost. That hope faded once he was spotted in Worcester, drawing an immediate and vocal groan from supporters who have followed every step of his recovery.
The organization still has several moving pieces to manage. Shortstop Trevor Story, who underwent sports hernia surgery, and utility infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa, working back from a left forearm injury, are also rehabbing with Worcester.
All three players could come off the 60-day injured list around September 1. Activating them will require corresponding roster moves, including at least two spots on the active roster and one on the 40-man. Those logistics may explain why the club is holding Anthony in Triple-A a little longer.
A return coinciding with the start of a short homestand against the Seattle Mariners on August 31 at Fenway Park would give Anthony a few more rehab games while allowing the front office to handle the paperwork cleanly. Interim manager Chad Tracy is expected to offer a clearer timeline in the coming days.
The timing still stings because the Yankees series carries real postseason implications. Boston and New York currently occupy the fourth and fifth seeds in the American League.
The winner of this weekend’s four games, which include a doubleheader on Saturday, would hold the edge in hosting a potential Wild Card rematch.
The Red Sox already lead the season series 5-4; another series victory would also lock up the head-to-head tiebreaker. League rules prevent Anthony from being used as the 27th man in the nightcap of the doubleheader.
Boston’s dramatic climb from last place after sweeping the Yankees at Fenway in late June has made every remaining game feel heavier.
Anthony’s eventual return remains a significant piece of that picture, even if it arrives a few days later than fans wanted.
