Red Sox Rookie Roman Anthony Suffers Oblique Injury, Faces MRI
A significant blow has landed for the Boston Red Sox, as promising rookie Roman Anthony sustained a left oblique injury during Tuesday’s 11-7 victory over the Cleveland guardians. The injury occurred after a strikeout in the bottom of the fourth inning, casting a shadow over a hard-fought win.
Anthony, who recently transitioned from being MLB’s top prospect, is now considered a cornerstone of the Red Sox future. This injury presents a setback as he establishes himself in the major leagues.
Initial Concerns & Next Steps
initially, Anthony felt discomfort while checking his swing on the pitch preceding the strikeout. He immediately grabbed at the lower left side of his back as he returned to the dugout.
An MRI is scheduled for Wednesday to determine the extent of the injury and estimate a recovery timeline. Oblique injuries frequently necessitate a 10-day injured list stint, potentially sidelining Anthony for a crucial period.
“This is definitely worse in terms of the way it feels,” Anthony stated, acknowledging the severity compared to previous mid-back tightness that briefly sidelined him on August 4th. However, he remains cautiously optimistic, awaiting the MRI results for a clearer picture.
Impact on the Red Sox Lineup
This injury couldn’t come at a worse time for Boston, already navigating a shortage in the outfield. Wilyer Abreu is currently on the 10-day injured list with a right calf strain, and his return to full intensity remains uncertain.
Notably, Anthony had been filling Abreu’s role in right field. Abreu was placed on the IL on August 21st, retroactive to August 18th, and hadn’t been cleared for running as of Tuesday.
Anthony’s Performance & Team Response
Throughout 71 games sence his debut on June 9th, Anthony has quickly become a vital part of the Red Sox offense. He boasts a .292 batting average, .396 on-base percentage, and .463 slugging percentage, alongside 18 doubles, eight home runs, and 32 RBIs.
Alex Bregman, red Sox third baseman, expressed the team’s disappointment, stating, “Obviously, losing Roman today is a gut punch. He’s one of the best players in all of baseball, but we’ve got to continue to push along.”
Looking Ahead
Every game carries increased weight as the Red Sox strive to secure their position in the playoff race. Anthony understandably expressed his frustration, saying, “Yeah, it sucks.Hoping for the best and staying positive, but any time I’m not out there, it sucks.”
You can expect updates on Anthony’s condition following the MRI results. The Red Sox will need to adjust their lineup and rely on other players to step up during his potential absence.
