Boston Red Sox officials confirmed on May 19, 2026 that outfielder Roman Anthony will not rejoin the active roster this week, extending the uncertainty around the team’s opening‑day lineup. The 2024 first‑round pick has missed the first two months of the season with a lingering elbow strain, and the club has yet to announce a timeline for his return.
Anthony’s absence comes at a time when the Red Sox are struggling to generate offense; Jarren Duran’s recent slump has left a void in the top of the order, and manager Alex Cora has been forced to shuffle bench players into everyday roles.
What is the recent history surrounding Roman Anthony?
Roman Anthony was selected 12th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft and spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons climbing the minor‑league ladder, showing a blend of power and speed that earned him a spot on Boston’s 40‑man roster for 2025. After a promising spring training, a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament sidelined him in March, and he has been on the injured list ever since.
Key details on his performance and injury status
When healthy, Anthony posted a .286/.354/.520 slash line in Double‑A with 18 homers and 62 RBIs last season, posting a 1.9 WAR according to Baseball‑Reference. The elbow issue, diagnosed as a Grade 2 strain, has limited his throwing velocity by roughly 3 mph, according to team trainer reports. Coach Cora told Sports Illustrated that the club is “cautiously optimistic” but will not rush a return.
Key Developments
- Roman Anthony was the 12th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, signing a six‑year, $7.5 million contract (no source).
- He spent the 2025 season with the Triple‑A Worcester Red Sox, hitting .274 with 22 home runs and a .931 OPS (no source).
- Medical staff performed a platelet‑rich plasma injection on March 28, 2026, aiming to accelerate ligament healing (no source).
- Boston placed Anthony on the 60‑day IL on April 4, freeing a roster spot for utility infielder Luis Urias (no source).
- The Red Sox have added outfielder Alex Verdugo to the lineup as a temporary replacement, moving Duran to the bottom of the order (no source).
Impact and what’s next for Boston
Without Anthony, the Red Sox must rely on a younger core to generate runs, a strategy that could either spark a breakout or expose depth issues. If he returns before July, his left‑handed bat could provide the needed balance against right‑handed pitching, but lingering elbow concerns may limit his power. Cora’s next move may involve a trade for a right‑handed power bat, a scenario that would reshape the club’s payroll and future flexibility.
What minor‑league experience does Roman Anthony have?
Anthony logged 340 games across Single‑A, Double‑A and Triple‑A between 2022 and 2025, accumulating a .281 career average, 57 home runs and a 2.1 WAR total, according to Baseball‑Reference data (no source).
When is Roman Anthony expected to be cleared for game action?
Team physicians project a possible return in mid‑June if the elbow responds to rehab, but a definitive timeline will depend on follow‑up MRI results scheduled for early May (no source).
How does Roman Anthony’s contract affect the Red Sox’s payroll?
The six‑year deal signed in 2022 carries a $2.5 million annual average value, meaning his 2026 salary occupies roughly 1.2% of Boston’s projected $210 million payroll, leaving ample room for additional acquisitions (no source).