Why Red Sox’s Roman Anthony, Trevor Story returns are ‘bittersweet’ for Chad Tracy

The Boston Red Sox got not one, but two key players to return from injury for Sunday’s contest against the New York Yankees. Roman Anthony returns in the designated hitter role, while Trevor Story steps back in at shortstop. While the returns are exciting for the playoff push, interim manager Chad Tracy admitted it’s a bittersweet moment for him and the franchise.

Before the start of the game against the Yankees, Tracy claimed that having to send Mickey Gasper and Anthony Seigler was a tough decision, according to Christopher Smith of MassLive. Tracy credits both Gasper and Seigler for playing key roles in helping Boston remain competitive over the last several weeks and that it was difficult having to tell them there were no longer part of the major league roster. But he’s still happy to see Anthony and Story back in action.

“It was bittersweet,” Tracy said. “I mean it. We’re really excited that Roman’s here, really excited Trevor’s here. But have to talk to two guys that were instrumental over this stretch of helping our team get back to where it is right now and professionally explain to them the reasons why you’re doing what you’re doing and keep them focused to go down and continue to get reps so that they’re ready for the next call. So it was an exciting night and also a very difficult night at the same time.”

Gasper and Seigler could return to the major league roster relatively soon, as September call-ups are right around the corner. So, Tracy’s “bittersweet” moment could ultimately become sweet all around.

Roman Anthony returns to the lineup after being placed on the IL with a finger injury. The road to recovery was a long process for the former second-round pick, but he’ll now have time to ramp up for the playoffs. Anthony entered Sunday’s contest with a .229 batting average and .354 OBP while totaling 25 hits, one home run, and five RBIs through 109 at-bats.

Trevor Story has also missed the entire Summer after undergoing surgery to repair a sports hernia. He’ll aim to bounce back from what has been a cold season, as he’s recorded 34 hits, three home runs, and 19 RBIs through 165 at-bats, giving him a .206 batting average and .244 OBP.

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