The Boston Red Sox have felt the absence of outfielder Roman Anthony for the past 11 days, and it's shown in the team's recent offensive struggles. Since Anthony landed on the 10-day injured list with a right wrist sprain after exiting a May 4 win over the Detroit Tigers, the Sox have scored just 31 runs over nine games—the fourth-fewest in baseball during that stretch. Now, the 22-year-old slugger has taken a crucial first step toward rejoining the lineup, and fans have reason to be cautiously optimistic.
During Boston's recent six-game homestand, Anthony was spotted wearing a brace on his right wrist, unable to participate in any baseball activities. According to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic, he couldn't even hold a bat. But the tide has turned. As Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reported, Anthony has officially resumed baseball activity, playing catch ahead of Friday night's series opener in Atlanta. To help speed up his recovery, the team also administered a cortisone injection in his wrist—a common move to reduce inflammation and get players back on the field faster.
The next big milestone? Swinging a bat again. Interim manager Chad Tracy told the Boston Globe's Tim Healey that he's hopeful Anthony can begin a hitting progression as early as this weekend while the team is in Atlanta. That would mark a significant leap forward for the young outfielder, who was visibly frustrated when he injured himself on a swing during the first inning of that May 4 game.
When Anthony was officially placed on the IL ahead of last Thursday's loss to the Rays at Fenway Park, he set a clear goal: spend no more than the minimum time on the shelf. That target passed on Friday, but with baseball activities now underway, the path to return is becoming clearer. As for a specific timeline, Tracy kept it simple: "I'm hoping quickly," he told WEEI's Greg Hill Show.
For a Red Sox team that has missed Anthony's bat in the middle of the order, every step forward is a welcome sight. Whether he's back in the lineup by next week or shortly after, one thing is certain—Boston's offense could use a spark, and Anthony might be just the player to provide it.