The Boston Red Sox have had a disappointing season, entering Monday’s game against the Detroit Tigers looking to snap a two-game skid and get back into the win column. The Red Sox parted ways with former manager Alex Cora in late April, and it remains unclear whether this team can turn it around with or without him.
Boston’s brightest young player, Roman Anthony, has not delivered the season fans expected. The 21-year-old left-handed slugger signed a nine-year, $130 million contract extension in August of last year, but he has not lived up to that deal early in 2026.
Through 29 games, he has posted a .231 batting average, .357 on-base percentage, .681 OPS, one home run and five RBIs. Anthony was the No. 1 prospect in baseball prior to his call-up and remains a central piece of Boston’s long-term plans despite his struggles.
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However, Anthony’s chances to get back on track may now be put on hold. During Monday’s series opener against the Tigers, Anthony left the game early in the bottom of the second inning. He was replaced by Masataka Yoshida in left field.
Anthony had logged just one at-bat, grounding into a double play. During that plate appearance, he appeared to be in discomfort after a swing.
Trainers checked on him, and although he stayed in the game briefly, the discomfort did not subside, forcing his early exit. Moments later, the Red Sox announced the reason for his departure.
"Roman Anthony's injury: Right wrist discomfort, per the Red Sox," reported Chris Cotillo of MassLive.
This is especially troubling for the Red Sox, as Anthony has struggled to stay on the field recently. He missed four games in April due to back tightness, and last year he suffered a season-ending left oblique strain.
His next chance to return to the starting lineup will come Tuesday, though that seems unlikely given Boston will almost certainly tread carefully with its young star. For a team searching for answers, losing Anthony again would be a significant setback.
