Boston’s Roman Anthony Faces Season-Ending Setback: What This Means for the Team’s Playoff Hopes

Let me just say, the latest twist in the Red Sox saga has me scratching my head a bit—and not in a good way. Roman Anthony, that promising young talent who’s been turning heads since his debut in June, has hit a major bump in the road. As of Wednesday, the rookie outfielder found himself shuttled to the 10-day injured list, courtesy of a nagging left oblique strain. Pretty tough break for a 21-year-old who’s been a beacon of hope for Boston’s lineup.

He exited Tuesday’s nail-biter victory against Cleveland after a rough fourth inning at the plate, and an MRI confirmed what everyone feared—this injury isn’t just a minor hiccup. While the Red Sox skipper, Alex Cora, admits that a typical oblique strain sidelines players anywhere from four to six weeks, the uncertainty around Anthony’s return leaves a hole in Boston’s contention plans. They were hanging tough just 2 1/2 games behind the AL East leaders and holding onto a coveted wild card spot.

Still, Cora’s attitude is nothing if not resilient: “We keep pushing,” he insists, encouraging both fans and players to stay patient and keep grinding. He even urged Anthony to imagine his first at-bat in the American League Championship Series—a goal that sounds lofty now but might just be the perfect mental game to aim for during recovery. Meanwhile, Boston’s already made moves, recalling Nick Sogard from Triple-A Worcester to fill the gap.

Anthony’s story is particularly compelling—making his major league debut just this past June, batting a smashing .292 with eight home runs and 32 RBIs over 71 games. Oh, and let’s not forget his hefty $130 million, eight-year contract signed this August after being taken in the second round of the 2022 amateur draft. The kid’s got the skills, the contract, and the hype—but this injury throws everything into a tense limbo.

Trust me, the Red Sox and their fans have to hope this isn’t a lingering setback but rather a detour on what could be a stellar career trajectory. Stay tuned, because this isn’t the last you’ll hear about Roman Anthony’s fight to get back on the diamond. LEARN MORE

BOSTON — Red Sox rookie Roman Anthony is expected to miss the rest of the regular season after he was placed on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with a left oblique strain.

The 21-year-old Anthony departed Tuesday’s 11-7 victory over Cleveland after striking out in the fourth inning. An MRI revealed the extent of the injury.

There is no timetable for Anthony’s return, but manager Alex Cora said players are typically sidelined for four to six weeks with this kind of oblique issue.

Entering Wednesday’s action, Boston was 2 1/2 games back of AL East-leading Toronto. It also was in position for the second AL wild card.

“We keep going,” Cora said of how his team will deal with the loss of Anthony. “At one point, he’s going to be part of it, so just got to be patient, keep pitching, keep putting good at-bats, keep playing.

“I told him to envision (American League Championship Series) first at-bat. Put that goal in your mind and hopefully it happens.”

Anthony missed two games last month with mid-back tightness, but the outfielder said Tuesday night that this injury felt worse.

The Red Sox also recalled infielder-outfielder Nick Sogard from Triple-A Worcester before Wednesday night’s game against the Guardians.

Anthony, one of baseball’s top prospects, made his major league debut on June 9. He is batting .292 with eight homers and 32 RBIs in 71 games with the Red Sox.

Anthony, a second-round pick in the 2022 amateur draft, signed a $130 million, eight-year contract on Aug. 6.