Red Sox Put Roman Anthony on IL, Garrett Crochet Rehab Update
The Boston Red Sox announced on Thursday that rookie outfielder Roman Anthony has been placed on the 10‑day injured list, a move aimed at preserving his health and ensuring a swift return to the lineup.
Anthony suffered a hand injury during Monday’s game in Detroit, exiting after the first inning following an awkward swing that initially appeared to be a wrist issue.
Further evaluation revealed a sprain of a ligament near his right ring finger, prompting the team to seek specialist care and an MRI to confirm the diagnosis.
Anthony traveled back to Boston on Tuesday for a consultation with a hand specialist, where imaging confirmed the sprain without any indication of a fracture.
The Red Sox have opted to place him on the injured list to avoid playing short‑handed for an extended period, a decision emphasized by interim manager Chad Tracy.
Tracy explained that the club had already endured two days of reduced depth and could not afford additional strain on the roster.
To mitigate the loss, Boston recalled catcher‑infielder Mickey Gasper from Triple‑A Worcester, adding a left‑handed bat off the bench for utility purposes.
Gasper’s promotion also provides flexibility in case the team needs to shuffle players between the outfield and designated‑hitter roles.
With Anthony sidelined, the Red Sox are expected to rely heavily on Masataka Yoshida to fill the designated‑hitter duties for the remainder of the series.
Yoshida, who has been a consistent offensive contributor, may also see occasional outfield assignments if Andruw Monasterio is called upon.
Monasterio, a former Milwaukee Brewer, has limited outfield experience this season but received outfield reps during spring training.
Tracy noted that Monasterio could be utilized as a pinch‑hitter or defensive replacement should the need arise.
Anthony, who turns 22 on Wednesday, has posted a .229 batting average with a .675 OPS across 30 games this season.
His line includes five doubles, one triple, and a single home run, highlighting his developing power potential.
| Stat | Value | Games |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Average | .229 | 30 |
| OPS | .675 | 30 |
| Home Runs | 1 | 30 |
Anthony’s injury has not worsened since Monday, and he has not participated in any on‑field activities, including swinging a bat.
His treatment regimen includes blood‑flow therapy to the wrist and arm, a non‑surgical approach that the specialist expects will heal naturally.
“Based on the way they explained it, it doesn’t need surgery, kind of heals on its own,” Anthony said, expressing confidence in the medical staff.
He added that he trusts the Red Sox training staff and hand specialist, emphasizing the organization’s comprehensive support system.
The rookie’s eligibility to return is set for next Thursday, the final game of Boston’s series against the Philadelphia Phillies.
If cleared, Anthony plans to rejoin the active roster immediately, aiming to contribute the following day.
Garrett Crochet, the Chicago White Sox’s left‑handed reliever, continues his rehabilitation after being placed on the injured list with shoulder inflammation on April 26.
Tracy reported that Crochet has been progressing through a throwing program, currently working from a 60‑foot distance and increasing velocity.
Crochet’s latest throwing session was described as “the best he’s felt throwing,” indicating positive strides in his recovery.
He is slated to be eligible for activation on Monday, though a minor league rehab assignment may still be required.
Tracy indicated that the decision will hinge on Crochet’s strength metrics and readiness to face live hitters.
Should a rehab assignment be deemed necessary, Crochet would likely pitch at a lower‑level affiliate to regain command before returning to the major‑league roster.
Ranger Suarez, another Red Sox pitcher, exited Sunday’s game with hamstring tightness but is making steady progress.
Suarez has not yet been scheduled for his next start on Saturday as the club aims to avoid an additional stint on the injured list.
Tracy noted that the team will continue to monitor Suarez’s hamstring through Friday before making a definitive decision.
In the meantime, the Red Sox have a clear rotation plan: Jake Bennett is set to start Thursday against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Connelly Early is slated for Friday, with Suarez potentially taking the mound on Saturday and Payton Tolle on Sunday.
Reliever Justin Slaten, who is recovering from an oblique strain, delivered a solid performance in his second rehab outing on Wednesday.
Slaten’s progress positions him as a candidate for activation in the near future, adding depth to Boston’s bullpen.
The Red Sox’s current standing in the American League East reflects a competitive race, with the team seeking to maintain momentum despite recent injuries.
Maintaining roster flexibility has become a central theme for the organization as it navigates the mid‑season stretch.
Historically, the Red Sox have demonstrated resilience when dealing with injuries to key contributors, often relying on depth players to fill gaps.
The promotion of Gasper and potential utilization of Monasterio echo past strategies where versatility bolstered the lineup.
From a tactical perspective, the decision to place Anthony on the IL rather than keep him on the active roster underscores a long‑term health priority.
Playing short‑handed for multiple games could have compounded fatigue among remaining position players, potentially affecting performance.
By securing a healthy Anthony for the postseason stretch, Boston aims to preserve its offensive upside and defensive alignment.
Yoshida’s role as the primary designated hitter will be crucial, as his .300+ average in recent weeks has helped offset the loss of Anthony’s bat.
The team’s ability to shuffle Monasterio between outfield and DH duties provides a tactical lever against late‑game situational matchups.
Garrett Crochet’s rehabilitation serves as a parallel narrative, illustrating how both clubs are managing pitcher health amid demanding schedules.
His incremental throwing program mirrors Boston’s cautious approach with Suarez and Slaten, emphasizing gradual load increases.
Should Crochet return without a rehab assignment, the White Sox would gain a high‑leverage left‑hander capable of neutralizing right‑handed power threats.
Conversely, a rehab stint would allow him to refine mechanics and test his shoulder against live batters in a low‑pressure environment.
The Red Sox’s bullpen depth, bolstered by the potential return of Slaten and the steady health of established relievers, remains a strength entering the final month of the season.
Overall, the organization’s injury management reflects a balance between immediate competitive needs and preserving player health for the postseason.
Fans can anticipate Anthony’s return on Thursday, contingent upon medical clearance, with the expectation that his speed and defensive range will once again benefit the outfield.
The next series against the Phillies will serve as a litmus test for how the Red Sox adapt to roster changes while maintaining offensive production.
