The Red Sox are finally seeing the light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. Three key players are closing in on their return from the injured list, and the timing could not be more critical for a team fighting for a playoff spot. According to MLB, on Sunday Roman Anthony, the Red Sox outfielder, finished a four-game assignment with Double-A Portland. He went 0-for-3 in that final round, but the stats show he hit 3-for-11 overall with a titanic home run and two walks during the trip. Getting the right players back for the stretch run is the real priority here.
The Mental Game Is The Hardest Hurdle
While the wrist and forearm heal, the real battle happens in the head. The pressure to reclaim a starting job after months on the shelf is immense. As noted by Over the Monster, being on the IL involves a “huge mental piece too” that goes far beyond physical pain. Trevor Story has been watching others play his position while he recovers from sports hernia surgery. He hasn’t played for the Red Sox since May 14. That is a long time to sit in the dugout while your team hunts for wins. The fear of losing a spot to someone else is a very real threat for any player in this position.
When he comes back, Story will probably see the bulk of action at shortstop, although rest will definitely be scheduled. He is 4-for-21 in six games for the WooSox. Isiah Kiner-Falefa faces a similar test after a stress reaction in his right forearm sidelined him since June 19. He is 1-for-13 with Worcester. These numbers are small, but they matter. The team needs to know if these players can handle the pressure of a big-league lineup after such a long break.
Timing The Activation To The Day
Interim manager Chad Tracy is being careful not to rush the process, even as the team needs help. Team doctors are set to assess the players on Monday at Fenway, he stated. The decision on whether to activate them for the Miami series or wait is still fluid. Asked whether Anthony might appear in Miami, Tracy told reporters, “I wouldn’t completely rule it out.” However, he also mentioned, “But I still think he’s in the building-up phase of outfield and continuing to get at-bats.” So, while he won’t entirely exclude it, Anthony will certainly keep playing on Tuesday in Worcester. The same uncertainty applies to Story and Kiner-Falefa, with Tracy calling their chances “Up in the air.”
The window to activate these players is narrow and specific. The upcoming road trip starts in Miami from Monday to Wednesday, then continues in New York from Friday to Sunday. An off-day on Thursday between those cities gives the team a perfect moment to make a move. It would be a surprise if Anthony returns during the Miami leg, but the Big Apple sounds far more likely. The team needs to balance the need for his bat with the risk of re-injury. This is the kind of call that defines a season.
Over the Monster characterizes Story as a “former Red Sox All-Star who has become something of a forgotten man.” That label stings, but it also highlights the stakes. He needs to prove he is still the player who made the All-Star team. The team needs to see if he can still make plays at shortstop. The physical recovery is done, but the mental recovery is the final boss. If they can clear that hurdle, the Red Sox will have the depth they desperately need. If they cannot, the season could slip away faster than anyone expects.
