Boston Red Sox manager Chad Tracy announced that rehabbing hitters Roman Anthony and Trevor Story could return during Sunday’s series finale against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium, pending their physical responses following Saturday’s minor league games.
The Boston Red Sox are navigating a critical four-game series in the Bronx while managing the final stages of rehab for two key bats sidelined since early and mid-May. Speaking to reporters on Friday, interim manager Chad Tracy outlined that while both players are nearing a return, the team is deliberately avoiding rushed timelines after extended absences.
Chad Tracy Outlines Timeline for Roman Anthony and Trevor Story
Speculation regarding an immediate activation peaked on Friday when both Anthony and Story were absent from Triple-A Worcester’s lineup, compounded by social media footage of Anthony leaving Polar Park. However, Tracy clarified that the pair were simply receiving a scheduled day off before returning to action for the WooSox on Saturday.
Anthony has been out since early May due to a sprained right hand and wrist, which stems from a torn ligament in his ring finger suffered during a swing. Story underwent sports hernia surgery on June 4th. Across his minor league rehab assignments, Anthony went 7 for 23 with two home runs, two doubles, three walks, and seven strikeouts over seven games split between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester. Story collected five hits in 32 at-bats across nine games with Worcester, drawing one walk and striking out 10 times.
“Physically, they feel like they’re close to being ready, but then you still know that they’re working through stuff as far as game play. ‘Hey, I feel good, I can compete, probably an extra at-bat here wouldn’t hurt.’ So that’s where we’re at.”
Addressing the Roman Anthony Fort Myers Narrative
Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow addressed persistent speculation surrounding Anthony’s extended stay at the organization’s spring training complex in Fort Myers, Florida, during the summer. Rumors had suggested the assignment was a form of discipline or punishment related to a slower-than-expected recovery.
“We were not punishing Roman. Roman doesn’t feel punished. He and I have a great relationship, and we communicate multiple times per day.”
Breslow explained that the environment at a minor league complex in the summer presents a mental hurdle for a player accustomed to everyday competition, but the decision was reached mutually to accelerate his path back to the majors.
Roster Depth and Upcoming September 1 Decisions
The Red Sox enter the weekend series sitting two games back of the New York Yankees for the top American League Wild Card spot, maintaining strong play despite the prolonged absences in their infield and outfield. Tracy credited depth pieces like Mickey Gasper, who handled primary designated hitter duties effectively during a strong recent stretch, alongside contributions from Nick Sogard, Anthony Seigler, and Andruw Monasterio during the team’s second-half surge.
“With the injuries we had, particularly in the infield, I think a lot of people probably [expect] when you’re tapping that far into your depth … OK, that’ll fall apart. It speaks volume of the guys. Everybody that’s come up has been awesome.”
Meanwhile, veteran utility infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa, working back from a left forearm stress reaction since June 18, offered a practical approach to the impending roster crunch. Kiner-Falefa expressed a preference to remain with Worcester through the entire week rather than rushing back ahead of Tuesday’s annual expansion of active rosters from 26 to 28 players, allowing the club additional time to manage options and decisions.
Garrett Whitlock and Adley Rutschman Injury Updates
In addition to the position player updates, reliever Garrett Whitlock is expected to return from the 15-day injured list on Saturday following a stint with right elbow and shoulder inflammation. Tracy noted that the club delayed Whitlock’s activation by a day to ensure he returned with consecutive days of rest after throwing a live batting practice session on Wednesday. Catcher Adley Rutschman also rejoined the starting lineup on Friday night against the Yankees after missing two games with a hyperextended right elbow.
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