The Boston Red Sox's Wild Card matchup against Cam Schlittler didn't need to be made any harder. He clocked eight strikeouts by the fifth inning and things only got worse for Boston from there, even off the scoreboard.
Andruw Monasterio came to bat for Roman Anthony in the fifth inning, which quickly ignited speculation about an injury to the outfielder. In the regular season finale, Anthony checked a swing and immediately flexed and shook out his hand, which caught the attention of some reporters and eagle-eyed fans.
Anthony checked a few swings against Schlittler before the Sox pulled him. Manager Chad Tracy announced after the game that the hand injury that kept Anthony sidelined for nearly four months of the season had "flared" up again.
But the way Tracy said it didn't do Anthony any favors. The skipper said Anthony's hand was "uncomfortable," which hopefully downplays his level of pain, because discomfort is not a good enough reason to leave a playoff game against a bitter rival after missing the majority of the season.
Chad Tracy threw Roman Anthony under the bus with poor phrasing following early exit from Red Sox-Yankees Wild Card game
According to Alex Speier of The Boston Globe, Anthony's hand pain concerned the Red Sox to a degree that Monasterio was told before the game that he might have to play in Anthony's stead (subscription required). Tracy said he is uncertain if Anthony will play on Wednesday, suggesting the pain in his hand could be severe enough to end his season. But his phrasing needs work. Anthony is still young and finding his way as a big leaguer, but he's supposed to be a star of this Red Sox team, but some "discomfort" doesn't keep stars from posting for their teammates in win-or-go-home series.
Willson Contreras is the Sox's best example. The first baseman is an infamous plate-crowder, he's been hit by 24 pitches this year, one injuring his hand as recently as September 17. His hit by pitch count doesn't include the countless balls he's fouled off himself, and he's also dealt with a hamstring injury this season. Yet, he's played through almost all of it, and played well.
The injury itself isn't Anthony's fault and blaming him for a ligament tear in his hand is not the answer to his issues with staying healthy. But pain management is up to him and the Red Sox organization, and the fact that neither side could come up with a reasonable solution for his hand with the season on the line is concerning.
Wild Card Game 1 was hardly a managing masterclass by Tracy and his postgame comments on Anthony's injury didn't make it any better. Communication is usually one of Tracy's strengths, but he really bungled this one.
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