Red Sox Welcome Back Roman Anthony and Trevor Story Ahead of Crucial Playoff Push
The Boston Red Sox have received a major boost at a critical point in the season, activating both Roman Anthony and Trevor Story ahead of Sunday’s series finale against the New York Yankees.
After spending several months on the injured list, the two important players are finally back with Boston as the team enters the final stretch of the regular season. The Red Sox officially announced the roster changes Sunday morning, with left-handed pitcher Raymond Burgos being optioned to Triple-A Worcester to make room for the returning stars.
For Anthony, the move marks the end of an almost four-month absence. The 22-year-old outfielder had not appeared for Boston since May 4, when he suffered a partial tendon tear near his right ring finger. What initially looked like an injury that might keep him sidelined for a relatively short period ultimately developed into a much longer setback.
Anthony received several medical opinions before doctors determined that roughly three months would be needed for the injury to fully recover. Although his rehabilitation followed that general timeline, the lengthy absence was still frustrating for both the young player and the organization.
Now, Boston is getting one of its most promising offensive players back at precisely the time it needs additional production.
Anthony completed an eight-game rehabilitation assignment between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester. During those games, he posted a .280 batting average while recording two home runs, two doubles, seven RBIs and four walks. His performance suggested that his timing and confidence at the plate were beginning to return.
He recorded two hits for Worcester on Thursday, including a double, before completing the final stage of his rehab assignment alongside Story on Saturday. Both players reportedly departed Polar Park carrying their Red Sox equipment, signaling that their returns to Boston were close.
Before his injury, Anthony had appeared in 30 major league games and was hitting .229 with a .354 on-base percentage, one home run and five RBIs. Boston had expected the highly regarded youngster to make a significant impact this season before the hand problem interrupted his progress.
His return provides interim manager Chad Tracy with another option near the top of the batting order. Anthony can also contribute in left field or serve as the designated hitter, allowing Boston to manage his workload carefully during the stretch run.
Story, meanwhile, returns after undergoing sports hernia surgery in May. The veteran shortstop last played for Boston on May 14 and completed his rehabilitation assignment with Worcester. He went 6-for-35 with three RBIs and 11 strikeouts during his rehab games.
Because Story did not produce at the same level as Anthony during his minor league stint, Boston could choose to gradually increase his playing time rather than immediately placing him back into an everyday role.
The Red Sox have received valuable contributions from Nick Sogard, Andruw Monasterio and Anthony Seigler while Story was unavailable. However, Story’s experience, defensive ability and power could prove extremely valuable as the postseason race intensifies.
Last season, Story led Boston with 25 home runs and 96 RBIs, showing just how much impact he can provide when healthy.
Boston entered Sunday with a 74-62 record after splitting Saturday’s doubleheader in New York. Having lost two of the first three games of the series, the Red Sox faced an important opportunity to leave the Bronx with a split.
With Anthony and Story now back, Boston has received a significant reinforcement at the most important stage of its season. The Red Sox managed to remain competitive without both players, but their return could provide the additional spark needed for a serious postseason push.
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