Roman Anthony and Trevor Story appear to be on the doorstep of Boston’s roster, even if the Red Sox have not made anything official yet.
According to MLB reporter Francys Romero, both players have finished their rehab assignments with Triple-A Worcester and are expected to meet the Red Sox in New York. Romero also said either player could be activated Saturday or Sunday during Boston’s four-game series against the Yankees.
That still leaves the exact timing up in the air. Neither Anthony nor Story was with the club for Friday night’s series opener, even as buzz built that Anthony might be ready to return in the Bronx.
Anthony was back at Polar Park on Friday after going 2-for-4 with an RBI double and a single Thursday. Across rehab stops with Double-A Portland and Worcester, he hit .304 with two home runs. Now, that work appears to be done.
Story’s rehab reportedly is complete as well, setting up a potential double boost for a Red Sox offense that badly needs one.
Boston’s bats went quiet again in a 1-0 loss to New York on Friday, the club’s second straight shutout. The Red Sox have now gone 18 consecutive innings without scoring, squandering a strong outing from Patrick Sandoval in the opener.
They managed five hits and drew six walks, but went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position and left 10 men on base. They also couldn’t cash in on five walks from Yankees starter Cam Schlittler.
Paul Goldschmidt’s third-inning solo homer was the only run of the night.
The defeat pushed Boston three games back of New York in the American League East and seven behind the division-leading Tampa Bay Rays. The teams are set for a doubleheader Saturday, which gives the Red Sox a chance to plug in Anthony or Story right away.
Anthony would give Boston another dangerous left-handed bat. Story would bring a proven hitter back into the mix while reestablishing the team’s regular shortstop.
The Red Sox still haven’t announced when either player will be activated, so there’s a little suspense left. But after back-to-back nights without a run, Boston’s long wait for help looks like it’s almost over.
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