Roman Anthony Sends Red Sox Loud Message In First Rehab Game originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Roman Anthony did not need long to remind the Boston Red Sox what they have been missing. Anthony began his minor league rehab assignment with a nearly perfect night at the plate Tuesday, going 2-for-2 with a two-run home run, two walks and two RBIs in the Portland Sea Dogs’ 7-5 victory over the Reading Fightin Phils at Hadlock Field.
It was Anthony’s first game action since a right ring finger injury forced him out of Boston’s lineup in early May. The results could hardly have been more encouraging.
Anthony reached base in all four of his plate appearances and delivered the biggest hit of the night for Portland. More importantly, the 22-year-old showed no obvious hesitation at the plate after spending more than three months working his way back.
Roman Anthony Makes Immediate Impact In Portland
Anthony walked in the first inning before collecting a single in the third. The defining moment arrived in the fifth. With Portland holding a 2-0 lead, Anthony launched a two-run home run to extend the advantage to four. Brooks Brannon followed with an RBI single, giving the Sea Dogs a 5-0 cushion.
Anthony drew another walk in the seventh inning and was replaced by pinch runner Ahbram Liendo.
The Portland Press Herald reported that Anthony finished 2-for-2 with the home run, two RBIs and two walks. Portland held off a late Reading rally to earn the win.
The box score was significant, but Anthony simply being able to handle four competitive plate appearances represented an important step. Anthony began hitting off a tee before advancing to flips, overhand batting practice and work against a high-velocity Trajekt pitching machine. Tuesday marked his first opportunity to test the injured finger in a game environment.
He passed that test emphatically.
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Anthony has been sidelined since May 5 after suffering a partially torn ligament near his right ring finger. The injury initially was described as a wrist sprain, but it ultimately required a much longer recovery than anticipated. Before landing on the injured list, Anthony appeared in 30 games for Boston and hit .229 with one home run, five doubles, one triple and five RBIs. He also drew 20 walks, showing the plate discipline that made him one of baseball’s most highly regarded young hitters.
His early 2026 numbers did not match the impact he made as a rookie the previous season. Anthony still provides a combination of patience, power and lineup versatility that Boston has lacked during portions of his absence. The timing of his rehab assignment is especially intriguing.
Boston’s offense has erupted for 20 runs and 29 hits in consecutive victories over the Arizona Diamondbacks, but the lineup remains vulnerable. Masataka Yoshida recently landed on the injured list with a hamstring injury, creating additional at-bats at designated hitter. Interim manager Chad Tracy has used Mickey Gasper and Jahmai Jones in that role. Gasper has taken advantage of the opportunity, including a home run and three-hit performance in Tuesday’s 9-4 win over Arizona.
Anthony’s eventual return would give Tracy another option at designated hitter while also strengthening an outfield that includes Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu. That does not mean Boston should rush him.
Anthony had not appeared in a game for more than three months before Tuesday. The Red Sox will want to see how his finger responds on consecutive days and how comfortable he looks against different types of pitching.
One dominant rehab performance cannot answer every question about his recovery. It can, however, generate legitimate optimism.
Anthony did not merely survive his first game back. He controlled the strike zone, collected two hits and drove a ball out of the park. With the Red Sox fighting for an American League playoff spot, his return could provide the lineup with a major late-season addition that requires no trade.
Tuesday night in Portland offered the strongest indication yet that Anthony is getting closer.