The Boston Red Sox have another major concern involving Roman Anthony, and this one is particularly troubling because it involves the same right hand that caused him to miss most of the 2026 MLB season. Anthony was removed from Boston’s Game 1 loss to the New York Yankees after experiencing discomfort following a check swing, with manager Chad Tracy saying the hand “flared on him.”
Anthony’s status for Game 2 is now uncertain, creating another significant problem for a Red Sox team facing elimination after Tuesday’s 9-0 loss to New York.
Anthony’s troublesome hand flares up again
Anthony started Game 1 as Boston’s designated hitter and went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts against Yankees starter Cam Schlittler. He was replaced by Andruw Monasterio in the sixth inning after the hand issue became too uncomfortable to continue.
Tracy explained after the game that Anthony had trouble following a couple of check swings.
“He took a check swing and then another swing, and his hand flared up on him, and it got uncomfortable, so we had to make a move there,” Tracy said.
The timing makes the situation especially concerning. Anthony missed 101 games earlier this season after suffering an injury to his right hand, which was eventually identified as a torn ligament involving his right ring finger. He returned to Boston’s lineup in late August after spending months working his way back.
Red Sox don’t know if Anthony can play Game 2
The immediate question is whether Anthony will be available Wednesday night, with Boston needing a victory to keep its season alive.
Tracy did not provide much optimism when asked about Anthony’s availability.
“It’s hard to say right now,” the manager said, explaining that the team would have to see what the hand looks like the following day before making a decision.
That uncertainty puts the Red Sox in a difficult position. Anthony is one of the most important young players in the organization, and Boston had worked throughout the season to get him healthy enough to contribute in the postseason.
There was also a warning sign during Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Cubs, when Anthony appeared to experience discomfort in the same hand following a check swing.
Now, after the hand flared up again in the biggest games of the season, Boston will have to wait and see whether Anthony can take the field.
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