The Boston Red Sox’s chances of extending their season against the New York Yankees took another devastating blow Wednesday when Roman Anthony was removed from the roster for the remainder of the American League wild-card series because of a recurring right hand injury. Anthony, Boston’s 22-year-old outfielder and one of its most important young hitters, aggravated the same injury that sidelined him for nearly four months earlier this season. Manager Chad Tracy said Anthony experienced increased discomfort after a pair of checked swings during a 9-0 loss to New York in Game 1 on Tuesday, Sept. 29.
After removing him after two at-bats in the series opener, the Red Sox initially were uncertain whether Anthony could return for Game 2. By Wednesday, however, the club had determined he would not be available for the remainder of the series. The timing could hardly be worse for Boston.
The Red Sox must win Wednesday night to avoid elimination, and Anthony had been penciled into the leadoff spot in his postseason debut. Instead, he struck out twice against Yankees rookie Cam Schlittler before leaving in the sixth inning. Anthony’s latest setback revives concerns that have followed him throughout the season.
He originally injured the hand May 4 and did not return until Aug. 30. The injury involved a partially torn ligament near the base of his right ring finger, and Anthony acknowledged during his rehabilitation that his recovery was progressing more slowly than he had expected. More news: Yankees’ George Lombard Jr.
Makes 124-Year Franchise History Since returning, Anthony had been trying to regain his rhythm while managing occasional discomfort. That discomfort became significantly worse Tuesday. "He’s obviously coming off that,” Tracy said after Game 1.
But today it was obviously coming out of the game. Today some stuff happened that was more serious and was uncomfortable.” More news: Two Years After Final Game With Red Sox, All-Star Who Came Back From Cancer Retires at 37 Anthony hit .245 with five homers, 15 RBIs and a .735 OPS in 55 regular-season games. His absence leaves Boston without one of the lineup’s most anticipated young bats as it faces elimination against a Yankees team that dominated the opener.
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