Troubling Roman Anthony habit developing for Red Sox

Boston Red Sox designated hitter Roman Anthony. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Troubling Roman Anthony habit developing after outfielder ruled out for Red Sox WC, possible ALDS

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Sep 30, 2026 6:18 PM ET

Boston Red Sox second-year outfielder Roman Anthony is developing a troubling habit.

On Wednesday, the talented young pro (he placed second in MLB.com's 2025 prospect rankings) was ruled out for Boston's win-or-go-home Game 2 in its wild-card series against the rival New York Yankees ().

According to ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan, Red Sox manager Chad Tracy shared that Anthony is dealing with a wrist injury and will be replaced on the wild-card roster by Curtis Mead. Jahmai Jones, who is hitting .182 in 15 games since Sept. 1, will take his place on Wednesday. Due to MLB rules, Anthony would also be required to miss the ALDS should Boston become only the second team since 2021 to advance beyond the best-of-three wild-card round after losing Game 1.

The setback is the latest injury to derail Anthony's young career. In his first two seasons, injuries have become an undeniable part of his reputation. As a franchise cornerstone after signing a long-term extension last summer, the constant injuries are cause for great concern.

Boston outfielder Roman Anthony has damage to muscles in his wrist that is different than the finger injury he previously suffered, Red Sox manager Chad Tracy said. Boston is looking to replace him on the roster, and Jahmai Jones will take Anthony's spot atop the lineup tonight.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) September 30, 2026

Roman Anthony's injury history a cause for concern in Boston beyond 2026 postseason

Anthony's presence in the Sox's lineup will be missed after New York took Game 1 in dominant fashion, 9-0, behind a pitching gem from ace and likely AL Cy Young Award winner Cam Schlittler, who pitched 6.1 innings, striking out 10 batters. Overall, Yankees pitchers limited the Sox to three hits and four total base runners.

Anthony, batting leadoff, struck out in both at-bats but had been Boston's most productive hitter since returning on Aug. 30 from an injury to his right ring finger. Per FanGraphs, among 11 Red Sox batters with at least 30 plate appearances during the span, Anthony ranked second in home runs (four), batting average (.262) and tied Adley Rutschman for the team's highest OPS (.797).

As disappointing as Anthony's absence is for Boston, it's hardly a surprise based on his early struggles staying on the field.

As a rookie, Anthony first had a brief two-game absence while dealing with a back injury from August 4-5, 2025, before a left oblique strain ended his rookie season after 77 games in early September. Another back injury forced Anthony to miss four games (Apr. 22-25) earlier this season. That was followed by a stint on the 60-day injured list beginning in early May as a result of his finger injury.

Losing Anthony hurts Boston in the short term, and it's also something the organization will have to contend with moving forward. It will be hard for the front office to trust that it can build around the former star prospect if he's unable to stay healthy. Two years into his career, he hasn't proven that he can.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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