Former Boston Star Says a Single Absence Could Derail Red Sox Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Sep 22, 2025 5:29 PM ET

Jonathan Papelbon sent the warning that he thinks the Red Sox were delivered a blow they can’t recover from. He doesn’t think the Red Sox can simply patch the hole in their lineup as they fight for a playoff spot.

“One player can derail a team tremendously, especially if it’s a leadoff hitter like Roman Anthony,” the former Boston closer told Vegas Insider's Ben Mendelowitz. “You can’t replace that.”

Anthony, who went on the injured list earlier this month with a left oblique strain, remains without a clear timetable to return.

Manager Alex Cora said Sunday that “not much has changed” in the rookie outfielder’s recovery. Anthony has been able to walk on a treadmill for up to 25 minutes and do bike work, but he’s still dealing with soreness.

Originally, the expectation was a four-to-six-week recovery. With the calendar closing, the Red Sox may be running out of time to get Anthony back for the stretch run. The Red Sox take on the American League East-leading Toronto Blue Jays beginning Tuesday and then close out the season at Fenway Park against the Detroit Tigers.

Papelbon, who earned a reputation for blunt honesty during his time in Boston, pointed to the way a single absence can ripple through a roster.

“When a player that you can’t replace, or just fill in a gap, gets hurt, then you see weaknesses in the lineup,” he said. “Pitchers can navigate lineups easier without that player in there.”

It’s not only about Boston’s side of things. Papelbon noted how opposing pitchers gain confidence just knowing they don’t have to see Anthony in the box.

“Sometimes that can do wonders,” he said.

Anthony had become a key spark at the top of the order. His combination of on-base skills and extra-base power gave the Red Sox a dimension they lacked in recent seasons. Without him, the offense has looked thinner, easier to game-plan around, and the team has struggled to put together consistent rallies.

For now, the Red Sox wait. Cora said Anthony is “doing everything possible to hopefully get back.” But as Papelbon reminded, the lineup is different without him — and the gap is one Boston hasn’t figured out how to close.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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