Before the Boston Red Sox's game against the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday night, Alex Cora confirmed that Roman Anthony will be headed to the IL. The Red Sox's manager revealed that Anthony has suffered an oblique strain and is expected to be sidelined for the next 4-6 weeks.
When Anthony was pulled from Tuesday's game, it seemed that an IL trip was inevitable, and the team already circled his replacement on the roster before the move is expected to become official: Nick Sogard.
Sogard certainly is a curious choice to replace Anthony on the active roster, considering he has earned his reputation as a utility infielder during his brief stints the last two years. In 18 games this season, Sogard slashed .242/.319/.323 with a 79 wRC+. While he did play left field last season with Triple-A Worcester, it hasn't been a role entrusted to him at the Major League level.
As the Red Sox await Roman Anthony's MRI results, Nick Sogard is the likely choice to replace him on the roster, per multiple sources.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) September 3, 2025
Red Sox already have Roman Anthony replacement in Nick Sogard
There is no replacing Anthony's production in the Red Sox's starting lineup, but it feels like this opportunity should have been handed to Kristian Campbell, who is capable of playing all three outfield spots but still offers the versatility that Sogard does, given his experience at second base, third base, and shortstop during his time in the minors.
In 256 plate appearances with Triple-A Worcester this season, Campbell seems to have found his approach, posting a 124 wRC+ with eight home runs. Cora was asked in August about the success Campbell was having, and pitch recognition was the reason why the Red Sox weren't ready to give the 23-year-old outfielder another look.
Kristian Campbell finished a single short of the cycle yesterday.
— Eric Cross (@EricCrossMLB) September 3, 2025
Last 36 G: 159 PA, .319/.409/.529, 14 XBH, 7 HR, 10.1% BB, 20.8% Kpic.twitter.com/5AaVnyHN0g
“That’s something that is hard, because he’s not going to get that down there. The velo here is harder. It’s faster. Locations are on point here. With all due respect to players down there, the gap is a big gap. So it’s just one of those that, we’ve got to keep working, and he has to keep working and see what the future holds.”
While nothing against Sogard, it feels like the silver lining to Anthony's injury would have been to allow Campbell another opportunity to improve his approach against Major League pitching.
Of course, with the Red Sox in the middle of a playoff push, rostering a player in need of development in September would have come with some risk. If anything, Sogard is a safe option and buys more time for the Red Sox to construct their playoff roster. That doesn't mean fans will be happy about it, though.