Lost amid the embarrassing madness of Tuesday's Wild Card series opener between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees was Roman Anthony being pinch-hit for midway through the game, seemingly out of nowhere. After the game, it was revealed by manager Chad Tracy that Anthony had re-aggravated the wrist injury that had kept him out for more than three months during the regular season — and that his Game 2 status was up in the air.
Well, Boston's Game 2 lineup is out, and it's safe to say the fan base won't like it, with Anthony on the bench.
Is Roman Anthony playing tonight? Red Sox's lineup gives answer
Here's a look at Boston's Anthony-less lineup against Yankees left-hander Max Fried.
Player | Position |
|---|---|
1. Jahmai Jones | DH |
2. Adley Rutschman | C |
3. Willson Contreras | 1B |
4. Wilyer Abreu | RF |
5. Ceddanne Rafaela | CF |
6. Caleb Durbin | 3B |
7. Nick Sogard | 2B |
8. Trevor Story | SS |
9. Nate Eaton | LF |
Yeah, the Red Sox are going to miss Anthony dearly. Sure, there's the makings of a decent lineup here. Jahmai Jones has done nothing but crush lefties since the Red Sox acquired him. Adley Rutschman and Willson Contreras are proven stars. Wilyer Abreu has broken out against left-handers this season, in particular. Ceddanne Rafaela is having his best offensive year. Still, there's no replacing Anthony.
He only appeared in 55 regular-season games and didn't look great in his two at-bats on Tuesday, but nobody in Boston's organization has a higher ceiling than Anthony. Being without him makes the already daunting challenge of rebounding from an 0-1 deficit in the best-of-three series that much more difficult.
Red Sox's growing injury report makes it tougher to believe in dream run
What makes Anthony's injury that much more difficult is that he's far from the only one. The Red Sox have a slew of notables on the IL, and that's making achieving their ultimate gol tough to believe in.
Player | Position | Injury | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
Mickey Gasper | C/INF | Right biceps strain | 2027 |
Tyron Guerrero | RHP | Right shoulder strain | 2027 |
Eli White | INF/OF | Ligament damage in right foot | 2027 |
Curtis Mead | INF | Left wrist fracture | Postseason or 2027 |
Kutter Crawford | RHP | Right flexor irritation | 2027 |
Johan Oviedo | RHP | Right flexor strain | Postseason or 2027 |
Anthony Siegler | INF | Right wrist discomfort | Postseason or 2027 |
Justin Slaten | RHP | Right elbow inflammation | 2027 |
Masataka Yoshida | DH | Left hamstring strain | Postseason or 2027 |
Triston Casas | 1B | Left abdominal strain | 2027 |
The list is lengthy and littered with quality talent. Lineup-wise, the Red Sox sure could use Mickey Gasper, who was one of their hottest hitters before suffering his injury, right about now. They could also use Curtis Mead, a player who crushes left-handed pitching. Even Masataka Yoshida's bat would really come in handy with Anthony out.
Pitching-wise, Boston's depth has taken a hit. Tyron Guerrero and Justin Slaten are two of the most important members of their bullpen, and perhaps they would've been able to keep the game closer on Tuesday had they been healthy. Guys like Kutter Crawford and Johan Oviedo are proven back-end starters who could've eaten innings this October.
Perhaps the Red Sox can get Mead and a few others back if they can get past the Yankees, but with Anthony now joining the laundry list of injured players, it's getting tough to believe in them making a comeback.
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