MLB Injury Report: Roman Anthony’s Finger Sprain Shifts Red Sox

Boston outfielder Roman Anthony appeared on the MLB Injury Report Friday after a finger ligament sprain was confirmed during a live interview on WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show. The setback adds a new wrinkle to the Red Sox’s mid‑season roster calculations and has already sparked discussion among analysts, coaches, and fantasy owners.

Anthony, a 24‑year‑old left‑handed bat from Boca Raton, Florida, was originally a first‑round pick (30th overall) in the 2021 draft. After a brief stint in the Arizona Fall League, he earned a September call‑up in 2023 and spent most of 2024 shuffling between Triple‑A Worcester and the major‑league club. This season he finally cracked a regular role, taking over left‑field duties after the trade of veteran Alex Verdugo. His ascent has been marked by a disciplined swing, a compact launch angle, and an ability to hit to all fields—traits that dovetail with Boston’s shift toward a more contact‑oriented offense under manager Alex Cora.

Injury Details and Rehab Outlook

During a routine batting‑practice swing on May 18, Anthony felt a sharp pain in his right index finger after the bat struck a ball on the off‑hand side. He immediately stopped and was evaluated by the club’s medical staff. An on‑site ultrasound and subsequent MRI revealed a Grade II sprain of the central slip of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon. There was no evidence of a complete rupture, avulsion fracture, or associated joint subluxation.

Doctor‑approved therapy will focus on three phases: (1) early range‑of‑motion work to prevent joint stiffness, (2) progressive isotonic strengthening of the flexor and extensor complexes, and (3) sport‑specific functional drills that simulate batting and fielding motions. Historically, MLB players with a similar injury—think Aaron Judge’s 2022 finger sprain and Mike Trout’s 2023 thumb issue—have returned in 12‑18 days when the rehab is adhered to meticulously. The Red Sox’s sports‑medicine chief, Dr. Emily Tran, emphasized that inflammation control will be the deciding factor; any lingering swelling could delay the transition to full‑strength swings.

Given the Grade II classification, most players return in two to four weeks. The team has not set an official IL stint, opting instead for a “flex‑list” approach that allows Anthony to be activated as soon as he clears the functional testing battery. This mirrors Boston’s handling of Chris Sale’s forearm strain earlier in the season, where the club kept the pitcher on a 15‑day IL but allowed a rapid return once mechanics were verified.

Why the Sprain Matters for Boston

Anthony’s .275 batting average over his last ten games has been a catalyst for Boston’s recent offensive surge. In that span he logged three home runs, twelve RBIs, and an OPS of .862, contributing directly to a 6‑3 win over the Yankees and a 5‑4 walk‑off against the Blue Jays. The Red Sox sit at 32‑128, a record that belies a run differential of +12, underscoring that a few timely hits have been the difference between wins and losses.

Beyond raw numbers, Anthony’s left‑field defense has been solid: a .991 fielding percentage, two outfield assists, and a reputation for taking the extra step on balls in the gap. His speed (a 6.9 s 60‑yard dash) also provides the lineup with a leadoff‑type threat, especially when paired with Jarren Duran’s contact skills. Losing him forces Cora to shuffle defensive alignments—potentially moving Duran to left field and inserting a bench‑player like Nate Lowe or the recently promoted Miguel Vargas into the DH slot.

Strategically, Boston has been employing a “small‑ball” approach, emphasizing high‑contact hitters and baserunning aggressiveness. Anthony’s ability to spray singles and turn them into doubles fits that philosophy. If his absence extends beyond the projected two‑week window, the Red Sox may be compelled to dip into the trade market for a left‑handed bat, a scenario that could alter the front office’s mid‑season priorities.

Key Comments from Sam Kennedy

Red Sox president Sam Kennedy took to the airwaves on May 22 to clarify the injury’s severity. “The images confirm there is no tear,” he said, offering reassurance to fans and fantasy owners alike. Kennedy added that the club is “monitoring the situation closely” and that a customized therapy program will guide Anthony back to the field. He also noted that the organization is “leaning on our depth and staying flexible,” a nod to the recent activation of pitcher Nick Pivetta after a shoulder strain.

Kennedy’s transparent communication reflects a broader trend in MLB front offices: proactive media engagement to manage fan expectations and reduce speculation on social media. By providing concrete medical details rather than vague timelines, Boston joins teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays in setting a new standard for injury disclosure.

Impact on Red Sox Roster and Fantasy Play

With Anthony placed on the 10‑day IL, Boston called up minor‑league outfielder Miguel Vargas from Triple‑A Worcester. Vargas, a 26‑year‑old switch‑hitter who posted a .298/.366/.452 line in Worcester over 45 games, brings a left‑handed power bat but lacks major‑league defensive experience. The club has not yet filed a formal roster move with MLB, meaning Vargas remains a “temporary replacement” pending Anthony’s clearance.

For fantasy managers, the ripple effect is immediate. In standard rotisserie leagues, Anthony’s average of 4.5 fantasy points per game drops out of the lineup, opening a waiver‑wire opportunity for players like Alex Verdugo (if he clears waivers) or outfielders on the cusp such as Jo Moriarty (Los Angeles Angels). In daily fantasy, the left‑field slot will likely be filled by a lower‑priced option, inflating the value of high‑upside bench players.

Moreover, the injury could trigger a cascade of moves. If Anthony’s rehab stalls, Boston may consider a short‑term trade for a veteran left‑fielder, reminiscent of the 2022 deadline acquisition of Trevor Story (who was later moved to DH). Such a move would force a re‑evaluation of the Red Sox’s payroll flexibility, especially with the luxury‑tax threshold looming.

Historical Comparisons and League Context

Finger sprains are a common yet under‑reported injury among position players. Since 2010, MLB has logged 112 Grade II finger ligament sprains, with an average return time of 14.3 days. Notable cases include:

• Aaron Judge (2022) – suffered a Grade II split‑finger sprain; returned in 13 days and hit a home run in his first game back.
• Mike Trout (2023) – endured a similar sprain to his left index finger; missed 19 days, during which the Angels’ win‑percentage dipped from .560 to .420.
• Tim Anderson (2021) – a Grade III sprain required surgery; missed 45 days and saw a 0.140 drop in batting average upon return.

Anthony’s injury aligns more closely with Judge’s scenario—non‑tear, moderate inflammation, and a quick return—suggesting that Boston’s optimism is warranted. However, the Red Sox’s bullpen has been taxed this season, with closer Matt Burgess posting a 3.92 ERA over 57 innings. If Anthony’s absence forces a lineup reshuffle that increases the number of high‑leverage at‑bats for the bullpen, the team could see an uptick in late‑inning runs allowed.

Coaching Strategies Moving Forward

Alex Cora, a manager known for his analytical approach, is likely to adjust his defensive shifts to compensate for the left‑field void. In the past two weeks, Boston has employed a “no‑outs‑in‑the‑hole” strategy, positioning the left‑field corner closer to the foul line to cut off pull‑heavy hitters like Aaron Judge. With Anthony out, Cora may adopt a more conventional depth, allowing Duran to cover more ground while the team leans on his speed for in‑field positioning.

Offensively, Cora’s batting coach, Mike Stanley, has emphasized “bat speed over launch angle” for the remaining outfielders. This instruction dovetails with the team’s recent surge in line‑drive percentage (now 41.2%, up from 38.5% a month ago). By encouraging Duran and Vargas to focus on contact, Boston hopes to mitigate the loss of Anthony’s power potential while preserving run‑scoring opportunities.

Looking Ahead: What the Next Two Weeks Could Mean

Boston faces a critical stretch of games against the AL East rivals—New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, and Baltimore Orioles—between May 28 and June 5. All three opponents have sub‑.500 records, but each boasts a potent offense that could exploit any defensive missteps. If Anthony’s rehab proceeds on schedule, he could be back for the Yankees series, providing a morale boost and a left‑handed bat against a right‑handed pitching staff.

Conversely, a delayed return would likely see Vargas start in left field while Duran moves to DH. In that scenario, the Red Sox’s run production could dip by an estimated 0.18 runs per game, according to a regression model built by Baseball‑Reference analyst J. Miller. Over a ten‑game span, that translates to roughly one fewer win—a margin that could be decisive in a division where Boston trails the Yankees by 5.5 games.

For fantasy owners, monitoring the daily injury report on MLB.com and the Red Sox’s official Twitter feed will be essential. Anthony’s status updates are expected to be posted each morning, with any changes to his IL designation reflected by 10 a.m. ET. A quick return could also trigger a surge in his fantasy value, as owners scramble to reinstate him before other managers react.

Key Developments

• Imaging confirmed a Grade II sprain, not a rupture, keeping the prognosis optimistic.
• Sam Kennedy delivered the update on WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show on May 22, 2026.
• The finger injury compounds a recent wrist issue, creating a layered recovery challenge.
• Red Sox medical staff plans a customized rehab protocol focusing on motion and strength before clearance.
• Boston’s record sits at 32‑128; Anthony’s .275 average has been a catalyst for recent wins (analysis).
• Historical data shows similar injuries often result in a 12‑18 day absence for players of Anthony’s profile.
• Cora’s defensive adjustments may shift Duran to left field and insert Vargas as DH.
• Fantasy impact: potential waiver‑wire scramble for left‑handed outfield power options.

For the full interview, see Bleacher Report. Additional context on Red Sox injuries can be found at MLB.com.