Red Sox Considering Notable Next Step In Roman Anthony’s Recovery originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Boston Red Sox could be preparing to take another encouraging step with Roman Anthony.
Red Sox manager Chad Tracy said Thursday the organization is “going to talk through” bringing Anthony back to Boston from Fort Myers, Fla., according to The Boston Globe’s Tim Healey. The potential move should not be confused with Anthony returning to Boston’s active roster. The 22-year-old outfielder still must begin and complete a minor league rehab assignment before rejoining the Red Sox.
However, bringing Anthony north would be another sign that he is progressing toward game action. Anthony has conducted much of his rehabilitation work at the club’s facility in Fort Myers. With a rehab assignment approaching, it would make geographic sense for him to return to Boston before potentially reporting to Triple-A Worcester or Double-A Portland.
Roman Anthony Nearing Rehab Assignment
Anthony recently progressed to hitting against a high-velocity Trajekt machine. The technology allows hitters to face simulated pitches designed to replicate the velocity, movement and release points they will encounter in games. While it cannot completely recreate live competition, it represents a significant step beyond tee work, soft toss and traditional batting practice.
The Red Sox are “going to talk through” bringing Roman Anthony back to Boston from Fort Myers, Chad Tracy said.
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) August 13, 2026
(Anthony also is nearing a rehab assignment, so a geographic return makes sense before he joins Worcester or Portland.)
Tracy said earlier this week that Anthony was “getting closer” to beginning a rehab assignment. The Red Sox have not announced an exact date for Anthony to return to game action. His recovery still will depend on how he responds to each increase in workload, and the organization has no reason to rush one of its most important young players.
Bringing him back to Boston nevertheless would make the next stage easier to manage.
Worcester is located less than 50 miles from Fenway Park, while Portland is approximately two hours away. Either affiliate would allow Anthony to continue his progression while remaining close to the major league club and its medical staff.
A rehab assignment also would give Anthony the opportunity to rebuild his timing against live pitching. The number of games he needs likely will depend on the length of his absence and how comfortable he looks at the plate and in the outfield.
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Anthony’s Return Would Give Red Sox Major Boost
Boston could use some good injury news. Anthony emerged as an important part of the Red Sox lineup before landing on the injured list. His combination of power, plate discipline and athleticism helped him establish himself as one of the most exciting young players in the organization.
His absence has forced the Red Sox to adjust their outfield alignment and lineup construction during a critical portion of the season. Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu have handled the majority of the outfield responsibilities recently. Masataka Yoshida also has been used primarily as the designated hitter, while other players have received opportunities as Boston attempts to replace Anthony’s production.
Getting Anthony back would give Tracy another impact left-handed bat and considerably more flexibility. The Red Sox entered Thursday on a five-game losing streak after dropping the first three contests of their four-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays. Their offense scored only eight runs during that stretch, increasing the anticipation surrounding Anthony’s eventual return.
Still, Boston must avoid getting ahead of the process.
Anthony returning from Florida would not guarantee that his activation is imminent. He must first resume playing in minor league games, prove that he can handle a regular workload and emerge from the assignment without a setback.
It would, however, represent meaningful progress. The Red Sox soon could have Anthony back in New England. If everything continues moving in the right direction, his return to their lineup may not be far behind.