The Boston Red Sox brutally did not have Roman Anthony available for their 2025 American League Wild Card Series showdown with the New York Yankees, and the team scored only six runs in three games. He logged just two at-bats in Tuesday's playoff rematch before exiting for the night. Manager Chad Tracy did not have clarity about his status for Wednesday, but he offered an injury update that will make stomachs churn in Red Sox Nation.
Anthony's right hand “flared up” on him after multiple check swings, per the SNY Yankees X account. He missed most of the regular season with a partial tendon tear in the ring finger of the same hand. There was plenty that went wrong in this 9-0 loss beyond the 22-year-old's early departure, but fans will feel an eerie case of deja vu coming out of this Bronx beatdown.
Article Continues BelowChad Tracy said Roman Anthony's hand "flared up" on him after a check swing and a swing and had to be removed from Game 1 due to discomfort pic.twitter.com/RnhbalVVnM
— SNY Yankees (@snyyankees) September 30, 2026
The Red Sox invested an eight-year, $130 million contract extension in the young left-handed hitter because they view him as a franchise cornerstone. But a player can only occupy such an important label if they are consistently available. Anthony has played in just 127 total MLB games since making his debut on June 9, 2025. He is still young and has time to change that trend, but postseason setbacks will inevitably reduce the public's confidence.
The 2022 second-round draft pick has shown flashes of being an offensive star, and Boston needs him to erupt in Game 2, and then in a possible Game 3. It is unclear if he will be in the lineup to inflict any damage, however. The Red Sox will lick their wounds and inquire abut Roman Anthony in the morning.