Roman Anthony’s path back to Boston is starting to come into focus, but the Red Sox are still taking it one step at a time.
Anthony opened his minor league rehab assignment Tuesday night with Double-A Portland and wasted no time making it look worthwhile. He went 2-for-2 with a home run and two walks, a sharp first night that had the fanbase buzzing.
Even with that kind of debut, the Red Sox are resisting the urge to rush him. Before Anthony’s rehab stint began, interim manager Chad Tracy said Wednesday would be treated as a hybrid day, with his status still uncertain.
Anthony said after Tuesday’s game that he was looking to play Wednesday, but Boston held him out anyway. The move wasn’t a setback so much as a controlled ramp-up for the 22-year-old.
That plan became clearer before the Red Sox wrapped up their three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday. Tracy said Anthony is scheduled to play for Portland again on Thursday in left field, then return Friday as the designated hitter. Tim Healey of The Boston Globe relayed the update on X.
"The Red Sox decided that Roman Anthony won’t play today for Double-A Portland, Chad Tracy said. He will play Thursday (left field) and Friday (DH),"
The club hasn’t gone beyond Friday yet, and that leaves the timeline very much open-ended. Position players can spend up to 20 days on rehab assignments, and Anthony’s clock started Tuesday, so Friday will only be day No. 4.
Boston has moved other players through rehab work at a pretty quick clip, including Adley Rutschman and Romy González. Trevor Story is also on a rehab assignment now, and he’s suggested his will be short as well.
Still, even with Anthony off to a strong start, there’s a case for patience. He’s been out for a while, and the Red Sox may want to give him a few more days beyond this weekend before making any decision about a return to the majors.
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