Boston Red Sox rookie Roman Anthony leaves game in pain and lands on injured list with major setback

Roman Anthony, the 21-year-old outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, was placed on the injured list on Wednesday, September 3, after suffering a left oblique strain. The injury happened Tuesday night during Boston’s 11-7 win over the Cleveland Guardians at Fenway Park.

Anthony struck out in the fourth inning and was seen holding his left side before leaving the game. He later underwent an MRI that confirmed the strain. Manager Alex Cora explained on WEEI radio that these injuries usually take four to six weeks, which could rule Anthony out for the rest of the regular season.

Roman Anthony exits Guardians game early after clear signs of discomfort

Roman Anthony’s injury became clear on Tuesday, September 2, when he swung and missed at a pitch during the bottom of the fourth inning at Fenway Park. After the strikeout, he bent slightly, placed a hand near his ribs, and walked straight back to the dugout. He was quickly replaced in the outfield by Nate Eaton.

The following morning, September 3, the Red Sox confirmed he would go on the 10-day injured list. Manager Alex Cora said, “It sounds harsh, but we have to move on,” adding that a normal recovery for such an injury takes at least four weeks. Anthony had been scheduled for more tests after his MRI.

Oblique strains are known to be tricky for hitters, making sudden swings painful and sometimes leading to setbacks. This puts Boston in a tough spot with only three weeks left in the season and every game carrying playoff weight.

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Roman Anthony’s impact and what his absence means for the Red Sox

Since being called up in June, Roman Anthony has played in 71 games and turned into one of Boston’s most valuable hitters. He carried a .292 batting average, eight home runs, and a 3.1 WAR into September. His ability to reach base and cover ground in the outfield gave the Red Sox a lift during their midseason surge. Without him, the team will rely on Nick Sogard, who was promoted to replace him on the roster, along with players like Rob Refsnyder and Ceddanne Rafaela. Boston entered Wednesday with a 78-62 record, sitting 2½ games behind the Toronto Blue Jays for first in the AL East. They are tied with the New York Yankees for the top wild-card spot. While Anthony could return during the playoffs if the Red Sox advance, the immediate concern is how the lineup can hold up without one of its most consistent young stars.