Boston, June 2 – Roman Anthony was placed on the injured list on Tuesday, effectively ending his dark‑horse MVP campaign as the Red Sox continue a dismal 2026 season. The 28‑year‑old outfielder’s setback arrives after a string of under‑performance that has left the franchise far from its early‑season expectations.
At the season’s outset, Boston was a favorite to capture the AL East, with Anthony touted as a possible MVP, Garrett Crochet as a Cy Young contender, and Alex Cora in the Manager of the Year conversation. By mid‑June, the team’s record has slipped below .500, and the once‑bright award chatter has faded into a cautionary tale.
What led to Roman Anthony’s injury?
Anthony suffered a strained right hamstring during a routine bunt drill on May 30, and the injury was aggravated in a subsequent game on June 1, prompting the Red Sox to move him to the 10‑day IL. The setback follows a month in which his slash line fell to .220/.280/.340, well below the .300/.380/.500 baseline he posted in 2025.
How does the injury affect the Red Sox’s season?
The loss of Anthony’s left‑field power and speed removes a key component of Boston’s offensive strategy, forcing Cora to reshuffle the lineup and rely more heavily on younger prospects like Rafael Rafaela, who now leads the team’s end‑of‑season award talk. The Red Sox’s win‑percentage has dropped to .438, a stark contrast to the .600 mark they held after the first ten games.
Key Developments
- Roman Anthony was officially placed on the 10‑day injured list on June 2, ending his eligibility for the MVP ballot.
- He missed his last three starts, during which his OPS+ fell to 72, the lowest of his career.
- Manager Alex Cora announced a temporary shift to a platoon system in left field, promoting prospect Rafael Rafaela to a full‑time role.
- The Red Sox’s projected win total has been revised down to 78 games, three fewer than preseason forecasts.
- Sports analysts at Sporting News note that the team’s WAR deficit without Anthony now sits at -3.5.
What’s next for Boston?
With Anthony sidelined, the Red Sox will lean on emerging talent and bullpen depth to stay afloat in the AL East race. Cora’s front office is reportedly exploring a short‑term trade for a left‑handed bat, while keeping an eye on the waiver wire for a versatile outfielder. The next series against the Yankees will be a litmus test for the club’s resilience without its former MVP hopeful.
When is Roman Anthony expected to return from the injured list?
Based on the standard ten‑day IL protocol and the severity of the hamstring strain, Anthony could be activated as early as June 12, though the Red Sox may extend his recovery to ensure full mobility.
What were Roman Anthony’s key statistics before his injury?
Prior to the IL stint, Anthony posted a .244 batting average, .312 on‑base percentage, and a .398 slugging percentage, with an OPS+ of 85, far below the league average of 100.
How does this injury compare to past Red Sox MVP candidates?
Unlike former MVP hopefuls like David Ortiz, whose injuries came late in the season, Anthony’s early‑season setback mirrors the 2015 setback of Mookie Betts, who also missed crucial mid‑season games and saw his award chances evaporate.