The Boston Red Sox are about to get two important pieces back at exactly the right time. After months on the injured list, Roman Anthony and Trevor Story have completed their rehab assignments and are preparing to rejoin Boston for a crucial stretch against the New York Yankees.
The timing could hardly be more dramatic. Boston has battled its way back into the American League playoff race and sits just three games behind the Yankees, who entered Sunday at 77-59, for the top AL Wild Card position.
Now, with the postseason picture tightening, the Red Sox are adding two familiar faces. Hopefully, they can help the team rather than make manager Chad Tracy reach for the baseball version of a fire extinguisher.
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Roman Anthony and Trevor Story Are Ready
Anthony and Story reportedly left Polar Park together Saturday night after completing their rehab work with Triple-A Worcester.
Tommy Cassell reported on X that both players were eager to return to Boston after receiving medical clearance.
Story, who has been sidelined since May, made his final preparations with Worcester. The veteran infielder underwent surgery on May 22 after dealing with a sports hernia that had gradually worsened following its initial diagnosis during spring training.
He began his rehab assignment on August 16.
Before his injury, Story appeared in 41 games and struggled offensively, batting .206/.244/.303 with a .547 OPS. He went 6-for-35 with Worcester across 10 rehab appearances.
Despite those numbers, Story believes his body is ready.
“I feel like I’m ready. I’m excited,” Story told Cassell.
That excitement could be important for a Red Sox club entering one of the most important portions of its season.
Roman Anthony Brings a Bigger Offensive Spark
Anthony’s return could provide Boston with an even bigger boost.
The 22-year-old outfielder has been away since May 7 after tearing a ligament in his right ring finger during a check swing. His last major league appearance came May 4, when he was batting .229 across 130 plate appearances.
Anthony began his rehab with Double-A Portland on August 18 before moving to Worcester on August 25.
He looked much more comfortable during his eight minor league games, hitting .280/.367/.600 with a .967 OPS. Anthony collected seven hits in 25 at-bats, including two home runs, while driving in seven runs.
That performance should give Boston plenty of reason for optimism.
Anthony also sounded eager to return to the clubhouse and major league routine.
“I’m excited to get back,” he said, according to Cassell. He added that he was looking forward to seeing his teammates and experiencing a different environment.
For a young player who has already generated plenty of attention, getting back into the middle of a playoff chase could be quite the welcome-back party.
Red Sox Must Make Room on the Roster
The Red Sox still have some roster decisions to make before officially adding Anthony and Story.
Chad Tracy confirmed that both players are headed to New York but said the club had not finalized the corresponding moves.
“They’re coming (to New York),” Tracy told The Athletic. “Not sure what we’re doing yet (roster-wise), and we’ll figure that out there.”
The expected roster adjustments could affect Andruw Monasterio, Anthony Seigler and Mickey Gasper, who have helped fill the gaps created by the injuries.
Those players have contributed while Boston waited for Anthony and Story to recover. Now the organization must balance rewarding that production with getting its established players back into the lineup.
The final answer should become clearer when Boston announces its Sunday lineup.
Yankees Split Doubleheader After Boston’s Game 1 Win
Anthony and Story’s return comes after a wild Saturday doubleheader against the Yankees.
Boston entered the day struggling offensively after consecutive shutout losses to the Miami Marlins and Yankees. The Red Sox responded emphatically in Game 1, blanking New York 6-0.
Wilyer Abreu got things started with a first-inning solo homer, while Boston exploded for four runs in the ninth to seal the victory.
Game 2 was a completely different story.
New York answered with a 9-2 victory to split the doubleheader, with the Yankees repeatedly finding ways to string together hits against Boston pitching.
Brayan Bello, working in bulk relief, surrendered four earned runs on five hits over 5.1 innings. After taking over from Gamboa, Bello struggled to slow down the Yankees lineup.
Jose Caballero opened the third inning with a single, followed by a walk to Trent Grisham. Ben Rice then singled home Caballero before Jazz Chisholm Jr. added a sacrifice fly.
Luis Garcia Jr. later drove in another run, giving New York a 4-1 advantage.
The Yankees added five more runs in the eighth inning against Raymond Burgos to turn the game into a rout.
“It was a long day,” Tracy told The Athletic afterward.
Boston Still Has Plenty to Play For
The Red Sox managed only two offensive highlights in the second game: a solo home run from Nick Sogard and an RBI hit by Willson Contreras.
Boston went just 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position and left seven runners stranded.
Still, the larger playoff picture remains encouraging.
If Boston and New York finish with the same record, the Red Sox would earn home-field advantage in the Wild Card round. That makes Sunday’s game more than just another meeting between longtime rivals.
Boston also has a chance to win the season series against the Yankees.
And now it may have Anthony and Story back for the final push.
The Red Sox have spent months waiting for Roman Anthony and Trevor Story to return. That wait is finally over.
Story provides veteran experience and defensive stability, while Anthony brings the potential for a major offensive spark. Their return also gives Boston more depth as the club battles for a postseason spot.
The Yankees may have split Saturday’s doubleheader, but Boston still controls an important part of its own destiny.
With the Wild Card race tightening and home-field advantage potentially at stake, the timing could not be better. The Red Sox now have their reinforcements — and September baseball is about to get very interesting.
FAQ:
When will Roman Anthony return to the Red Sox?
Roman Anthony has completed his rehab assignment and is preparing to rejoin the Boston Red Sox for their crucial stretch against the New York Yankees.
Why was Roman Anthony placed on the injured list?
Anthony was sidelined after tearing a ligament in his right ring finger during a check swing. He last played for Boston on May 4.
How did Roman Anthony perform during his rehab assignment?
Anthony appeared in eight minor league games between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester, batting .280/.367/.600 with two home runs and seven RBI.
Why was Trevor Story out of the Red Sox lineup?
Story missed several months because of a sports hernia that eventually required surgery on May 22.
How did Trevor Story perform during his rehab assignment?
Story made 10 rehab appearances with Triple-A Worcester, going 6-for-35 with five singles and one double.
How could Roman Anthony and Trevor Story help the Red Sox?
Anthony could provide an offensive spark, while Story adds veteran experience, infield defense and depth as Boston makes its postseason push.
What happened between the Red Sox and Yankees in Saturday’s doubleheader?
Boston won the first game 6-0 before New York responded with a 9-2 victory in Game 2, splitting the doubleheader.
Can the Red Sox still gain home-field advantage in the Wild Card round?
Yes. If Boston finishes with the same record as the Yankees, the Red Sox would have home-field advantage in the Wild Card round, according to the scenario outlined in the article.
Who could be affected by Anthony and Story’s return?
Andruw Monasterio, Anthony Seigler and Mickey Gasper could be among the players affected by Boston’s roster decisions.
Why is the Red Sox-Yankees series important?
The rivalry carries major postseason implications, with Boston fighting for position in the American League Wild Card race and looking to close the gap on New York.
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