Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Breaks Silence on Roman Anthony's Debut

"Was able to slow it down," said Cora. "You know, the walk, hit the ball hard twice, stayed up the middle, didn't try to do too much. So it was a good first day."

Anthony's first day in the big leagues featured an 11-inning thriller, where the Red Sox lost, thanks in part to poor umpiring. But, in Anthony's debut, he went 0-4 with a walk and an RBI. 

His ninth-inning ground-out made it a one-run game, and fellow top prospect for the Red Sox, Kristian Campbell, picked him up with a game-tying single.

Despite Anthony not getting a hit, Cora was impressed with how Anthony handled the call-up to the big leagues. 

"That was something that really impressed me," Cora said. "For a kid that young and being in Spring Training for the first time, and trying to impress people, he did it that way. 'This is my at bat, this is what I do, I take my walks and I hit the ball hard.' So, he'll be fine."

Cora's praise stems from Anthony's ability to calm down in a big moment, in his MLB debut, and work a walk. Many hitters throughout history have been anxious and have been more aggressive once they make the big leagues, searching for that first career hit.

But Anthony was patient and drew a walk. While not a major part of the outcome of the Red Sox's game, it was a great sign that Anthony can control his emotions in such a moment.

Overall, Cora was impressed by Anthony's MLB debut. From Anthony's poise in the big moment, to being able to draw a walk in his debut, Cora walked away feeling good about Anthony's MLB debut, despite Anthony going 0-4 in a loss.