Roman Anthony News Emerges After 5 Missed Games

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated May 12, 2026 4:22 PM ET

The Boston Red Sox are entering Tuesday’s series against the Philadelphia Phillies sitting at 17-23. Boston has not lived up to expectations early in 2026, and to make matters worse they are currently without one of their best players in outfielder Roman Anthony.

The 21-year-old has been sidelined since last Monday after injuring his right wrist and hand area on a check swing during a game against the Detroit Tigers.

Boston was initially hesitant to place him on the 10-day injured list, but the pain did not subside, leading to the move. It has been a disappointing start for Anthony in his first full big-league season. He posted a .229 batting average, a .354 on-base percentage, a .675 OPS, one home run and five RBIs in 30 games before going down.

Boston Red Sox designated hitter Roman Anthony (19) © Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies, interim manager Chad Tracy spoke with reporters and provided an update on Anthony’s condition.

Anthony has progressed and is not dealing with any setbacks. However, he still has not resumed baseball activities. The next step for him will be regaining full grip strength to properly hold a bat (h/t Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic).

If he clears that hurdle, he will likely be able to advance in his recovery. Given the nature of a right-hand injury, that is a test he simply has to pass. It remains unclear what the next steps will be after that point or whether Anthony will require a rehab assignment.

Contreras hit in the cage and feeling better but they’re giving him one more day

Anthony progessing but still no baseball activities. Full grip strength to grip a bat is his next test

Crochet also progressing and just began throwing off a mound. He’d gotten out to 120 on Sun
— Jen McCaffrey (@jcmccaffrey) May 12, 2026

The sooner the Red Sox get Anthony’s bat back in the lineup, the better. While the results this year have been disappointing, Anthony is clearly capable of much more and is viewed as a future superstar.

The Red Sox clearly feel the same way. They signed him to a nine-year, 130 million dollar extension last August after he had played just 46 MLB games. Last year, Anthony helped send Boston to the playoffs, although he unfortunately missed the postseason due to a left oblique strain.

Boston’s offense has lacked consistency, and getting Anthony healthy again would be a major boost as they try to climb back into contention.

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

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