The Boston Red Sox have officially placed star outfielder Roman Anthony on the 10-day injured list, a move announced Thursday afternoon ahead of the team’s series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays. The decision comes after Anthony suffered a right wrist and hand injury during a May 4th matchup against the Detroit Tigers. While the team initially hoped to avoid an IL stint by treating the 21-year-old as day-to-day, a lack of progress in his recovery forced the roster move.
The Injury and Initial Outlook
The injury occurred in the first inning of Monday’s game in Detroit. During an at-bat, Anthony appeared to feel discomfort after fouling off a pitch, leading to an immediate visit from interim manager Chad Tracy and a team trainer. Although he finished the at-bat, he was replaced defensively the following inning by Masataka Yoshida.
Initial reports characterized the issue as general wrist discomfort, but follow-up evaluations by team hand specialist Dr. Matthew Leibman in Boston revealed a sprained ligament, specifically near his right ring finger. Anthony, who is in his sophomore season, described the sensation as a new experience, noting, “The hand is tricky and I’ve never dealt with a hand issue before.”
Despite the setback, the news from the specialists was relatively positive. Imaging confirmed there was no structural damage that would require surgery or a long-term absence. Anthony has been wearing a protective brace and has not swung a bat since Monday, but both he and the organization remain optimistic that he will be ready to return as soon as he is eligible on May 15.
Roster Maneuvers and Strategic Decisions
The Red Sox officially made the IL stint retroactive to May 5, meaning Anthony will miss at least seven more days of action. Interim manager Chad Tracy explained that the decision was ultimately a matter of roster management. “Still sore,” Tracy said, according to ESPN. “I think it’s more of a case of ‘How are we willing to play short-handed?’ We’ve already done it for two days.”
To fill the vacancy, the Red Sox recalled Mickey Gasper from Triple-A Worcester. Gasper, a utility player who can handle catching and first base duties, provides much-needed flexibility for a bench that has been stretched thin. This marks Gasper’s first stint in the major leagues for the 2026 season after making a brief debut late in 2024.
A Slow Start and High Expectations
The injury comes at a frustrating time for Anthony, who has struggled to find his rhythm at the plate this year. Entering the IL, he was hitting just .229 with a single home run across 130 plate appearances. This sophomore slump follows a highly anticipated rookie season where he signed a massive eight-year, $130 million contract extension, signaling the franchise’s belief in him as a foundational piece.
This is Anthony’s second trip to the injured list in as many seasons. Last year, he missed a significant portion of September and the team’s wild-card playoff series due to an oblique strain. The recurring health issues have led some analysts to question his durability, though the team views these as isolated, “freak” incidents rather than a systemic concern.
Looking Ahead
The Red Sox are currently navigating a turbulent 2026 campaign. Following the sudden dismissal of manager Alex Cora in late April, the team is fighting to stay relevant in a competitive AL East. Losing a middle-of-the-order bat like Anthony—even for a short period—places more pressure on veterans like Rafael Devers and Trevor Story to carry the offensive load.
If Anthony’s recovery stays on track, he could rejoin the team during their upcoming road trip to Atlanta. The Red Sox do not currently expect him to require a minor-league rehab assignment, provided he can resume full baseball activities and hitting drills by early next week. For a team desperate for a spark, getting a healthy and rejuvenated Roman Anthony back in the lineup is the top priority.
