As September closes in and the MLB playoff race tightens, the Boston Red Sox expect three returns from long-term injuries. Roman Anthony is the most exciting of the three.
The sophomore outfielder has been on the injured list since May 5 with a rare hand injury rarely seen in professional baseball players. After months of injury non-updates and impatient waiting, Anthony began a rehab assignment on August 18. Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said Anthony, Trevor Story or Isiah Kiner-Falefa could be activated for Boston's Monday series opener against the Miami Marlins, but it's more likely they continue their rehab assignments for a few more days (according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive).
Tracy also elaborated on where he expects Anthony will play upon his return. Getting him reps in the outfield every day is not a priority — Tracy mentioned that mitigating injury risk will be key in the final weeks of the season, so the club is going to be especially careful with Anthony (subscription required).
Since Anthony won't take up left field on the daily, that means Jarren Duran will retain most of his playing time. Though Duran has hit better over the last week (.304/.333/.522 slash line with a home run and RBI in his last seven games), he hasn't been able to deliver long-term and the Red Sox need every ounce of offense they can get in the final stretch of the season.
Red Sox won't play Roman Anthony daily in the outfield upon his return from injury
Duran is batting .207/.265/.362 with 144 strikeouts over 122 games. He's on pace for 17 doubles this season, 24 fewer than his total from last season. Duran hasn't faced as many lefties lately, which has worked well given the uptick in his offensive performance, but he hasn't earned the playing time during a critical stretch.
The Sox have some other outfield options they could cycle in with Duran once Anthony returns to make their best offense possible. Jahmai Jones has been unstoppable since the Red Sox traded for him, to the tune of 13 hits, including six extra-base hits, and six RBI over 17 games (.520/.586/1.000 slash line). Jones is merely an average defender, which is where Duran has him beat.
Eli White could also take more of Duran's reps. The former Texas Rangers and Atlanta Braves outfielder has six hits and three RBI over 11 games with Boston. He's a better defender than Duran and, somehow, faster than him, too.
Keeping Anthony out of the field on a daily basis is probably a good idea for his recovery and longevity, but it isn't the best answer for Boston's lineup. If Duran can keep up his production from the last week, we'll happily eat our words, but he hasn't shown consistent, playoff-caliber offense all year.
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