Roman Anthony
Breakdown
Performance
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August 19, 2026
Encouraging start to rehab
Anthony (finger) served as the designated hitter and went 2-for-2 with two walks, a home run and two RBI for Double-A Portland on Tuesday.
Analysis
Anthony kicked off his rehab assignment in style, rocking a two-run home run in the fifth inning that left Delta Dental Park in Portland. Given the length of his absence, Anthony is expected to play a significant number of games while on rehab. The Red Sox could draw out the assignment until September's roster expansion, but if Anthony shows he's ready before then, it would behoove a team positioning itself for the postseason to bring him to Boston as soon as possible.
August 18, 2026
Set to reclaim leadoff role upon return
Manager Chad Tracy said Monday that Anthony (finger) is expected to serve as the Red Sox's everyday leadoff hitter while splitting time between left field and designated hitter upon returning from the 60-day injured list, Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.
Analysis
The Red Sox are soon expected to get two of their lineup regulars back from long-term injuries, as Anthony and shortstop Trevor Story (sports hernia) are both in the midst of rehab assignments. Story could be activated from the IL as soon as Friday, while Anthony -- who will begin his assignment Tuesday at Double-A Portland -- may need a little more time on the farm to stockpile at-bats before making his return to Boston. Before landing on the IL on May 7 due to a sprained ligament on the base of his right ring finger, Anthony had gotten off to a slow start to the season with a .675 OPS, but even that level of production would still represent a slight upgrade from what the Red Sox have received from their replacement options atop the batting order. Abraham notes that since Anthony went on the IL, Red Sox leadoff hitters have generated a .215/.292/.367 slash line.
August 15, 2026
Embarking on rehab assignment
Anthony (finger) will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday with Double-A Portland, Sean McAdam of MassLive.com reports.
Analysis
Anthony has been on the injured list since early May due to a sprained wrist and sprained finger, but he's hit all the benchmarks to be cleared for a rehab assignment. He may need a lengthy stint in the minors given his extended absence, but the Red Sox are inching closer to getting significant reinforcements for the final weeks of the regular season.
August 15, 2026
Will be evaluated next week
Anthony (finger) will undergo an evaluation following this weekend, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said Anthony is making significant progress with his hitting program and is "getting closer" to beginning a rehab assignment. "He's got a real good setup there in Fort Myers right now," Tracy said. "He's got everything he needs, and then we'll see how he does over the weekend and go from there." Anthony is hitting off the Trakjet machine and recently incorporated breaking balls.