Red Sox Star Takes Major Step Toward Long-Awaited Return
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The Boston Red Sox could be getting an important reinforcement just as their postseason push begins to intensify.
Roman Anthony will move his rehab assignment from Double-A Portland to Triple-A Worcester this week, Red Sox manager Chad Tracy confirmed Sunday. The promotion represents another meaningful step for Anthony, who has not appeared in a major league game since May 4 because of a sprained ligament under his right ring finger.
Anthony played four games during his first rehab stop, going 3-for-11 with one home run, one double and three RBIs. He also drew multiple walks and showed encouraging power after being unable to swing a bat for an extended period.
According to Worcester Telegram & Gazette reporter Tommy Cassell, Anthony will join the WooSox for their upcoming six-game series against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre at Polar Park.
If he handles the increase in competition without another setback, Anthony’s return to Boston might not be far behind.
Anthony Makes Immediate Statement In Portland
Anthony wasted little time showing that his power survived the long layoff. The 22-year-old reached base in all four plate appearances during his rehab debut with Portland. He went 2-for-2 with a two-run home run and two walks in his first competitive action since suffering the injury.
Anthony’s results cooled over the next three games, but the Red Sox were evaluating much more than his batting average. Boston needed to see Anthony swing without discomfort, react to higher velocity and recover properly between games. He also must rebuild his timing after missing more than three months.
Roman Anthony will join Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday to continue a rehab assignment.
— Tommy Cassell (@tommycassell44) August 23, 2026
The last time he played at Polar Park, the 22-year-old outfielder hit a homer heard round Central Mass.
More on the Red Sox rehabber, and who else could be joining him in AAA:…
Tracy previously explained that Boston’s injured players need to prove they are physically ready while also accumulating enough at-bats to regain their rhythm.
“There’s still work to be done, but having three of those guys going out and getting healthy is exciting for sure,” Tracy said last week.
Moving Anthony to Worcester suggests the Red Sox were satisfied with what they saw during his first rehab stop.
Red Sox Could Face Outfield Squeeze
Anthony’s eventual activation would create an interesting lineup decision for Tracy. Ceddanne Rafaela has been one of Boston’s most productive players, while Wilyer Abreu remains an important left-handed power threat. Jarren Duran provides speed and strong outfield defense but has struggled offensively this season.
Duran entered the week batting .207 with a .265 on-base percentage. Anthony could take away some of his playing time if the former top prospect returns swinging the bat well. Boston also could ease Anthony into the lineup as its designated hitter, limiting the physical demands placed on him during the early stage of his return.
Anthony hit .229 with one home run and five RBIs over 30 games before landing on the injured list. Those numbers were disappointing after his encouraging rookie season, but his extended absence makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions from such a small sample. The Red Sox signed Anthony to an eight-year, $130 million extension in August 2025 because they believe he is a central part of the franchise’s future.
A healthy Anthony would lengthen the lineup and give Tracy another disciplined left-handed hitter for the final weeks of the regular season.
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Worcester Becomes Final Proving Ground
Anthony might not be the only recognizable Red Sox player at Polar Park this week. Trevor Story and Isiah Kiner-Falefa already have appeared for Worcester during their respective rehab assignments. Story is returning from sports hernia surgery, while Kiner-Falefa is recovering from a forearm injury.
The possibility of all three appearing together would give the WooSox a lineup loaded with major league experience. Anthony last played for Worcester on June 8, 2025. One day earlier, he crushed a memorable 497-foot grand slam that placed an exclamation point on his first Triple-A stint. Boston promoted him shortly afterward.
His upcoming stay has a different purpose.
Anthony no longer needs to prove that he belongs in the majors. He needs to show that his finger, timing and swing are ready for the pressure of a postseason race.
If everything goes according to plan, his return to Worcester could be a short one.