Since he injured his hand on May 4, Boston Red Sox fans have anxiously awaited Roman Anthony's return to action. On August 25, he gave the closest thing to a return timeline Red Sox fans have had all season.
Chris Cotillo of MassLive reported that Anthony feels "close to ready" to be activated, and that he could be activated for Friday's series opener against the New York Yankees in the Bronx. The outfielder said he has "no flight booked" yet, likely meaning that nothing is official, but the news that he feels ready to get back into games is exciting enough as it is.
Anthony has been on a rehab assignment with Double-A Portland since August 18 and he's slated to join Triple-A Worcester on August 25. He's logged three hits, including a double and a home run, four strikeouts, two walks and three RBI over four games.
Boston's upcoming series in New York could have massive postseason implications. The Red Sox sit 2.5 games behind the Yankees for the first Wild Card spot at the same time as the Yankees are chasing the Tampa Bay Rays for the American League East lead. If the standings stay as they are on August 25, Boston and New York will face off in the Wild Card series in the Bronx for the second consecutive year.
Roman Anthony feels nearly ready to end rehab assignment and join the Red Sox, possibly for upcoming Yankees series
Anthony's participation in the rivals' final series of the year could be a game changer. The outfielder took a second to adjust to the major leagues last season, but otherwise was an extremely valuable offensive contributor. He posted a .292/.396/.463 slash line with 18 doubles, a triple, eight home runs and 32 RBI over 72 games last season.
Yankees starter, Red Sox villain and Cy Young Award frontrunner hasn't pitched since August 21 and could be in the mix for a start against Boston. Anthony and Schlittler have never faced off in the big leagues and theirs is certainly a battle fans of the Sox and Yankees have been waiting for.
Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy has already said that Anthony won't play the field every day, as the team's priority is keeping him healthy, so he'll likely spend most of his time as the designated hitter when he returns. That leaves room for Jarren Duran, who's finally getting hot, Jahmai Jones or Eli White in the third outfield spot. Against the Yankees, the former Yankee Jones could be a particularly strong weapon with two lefties Schlittler and Carlos Rodón in the mix.
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