Roman Anthony and Trevor Story are expected to return to the Boston Red Sox for Sunday’s series finale against the New York Yankees, giving Boston two key reinforcements as the club pushes toward the postseason.
Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy confirmed Saturday that Anthony and Story are set to come off the injured list after extended absences, although Boston had not finalized the corresponding roster moves.
“They’re coming,” Tracy told reporters Saturday, according to MLB.com. “Not sure what we’re doing yet [with the roster], and we’ll figure that out.”
Anthony and Story were removed early from their minor league rehab game Saturday with Triple-A Worcester. The two players were later seen leaving the ballpark together with their bags packed.
Red Sox welcome back injured stars
Boston has recovered from a slow start and moved into postseason contention without Anthony and Story. All-Star first baseman Willson Contreras said the team is eager to have both players back in the lineup.
“I think it’s really important for us to get those guys back,” Contreras said. “We need them.”
Anthony has been out since May 4 because of persistent wrist and finger injuries. The former top prospect had one home run and a .675 OPS in 30 games before landing on the injured list, but he displayed his typical power during his rehab assignment, recording two home runs and a .967 OPS in eight games.
Story last played for Boston on May 14. The two-time All-Star underwent sports hernia surgery on May 22.
The Red Sox were 18-25 when Story was injured but have since revived their season through contributions from several players across the roster. Boston enters Sunday with a 74-62 record, six games ahead of the Cleveland Guardians (68-68) for the American League’s second wild-card spot and three games behind the Yankees (77-59), who currently hold the top wild card.
Boston faces roster decisions
Anthony is expected to return to his previous role rotating between left field and designated hitter. Story’s return presents a more complicated roster decision after he posted a .547 OPS in 41 games before his injury.
Andruw Monasterio, Nick Sogard and Tsung-Che Cheng have shared shortstop duties during Story’s absence.
Contreras emphasized the importance of acknowledging the players who helped Boston remain in contention while Anthony and Story were sidelined. He also noted that the Red Sox must decide which players to remove from the 26-man roster to activate both returning stars.
“I think those are tough decisions to make,” he said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen [Sunday], but we do have to recognize the job that the guys are doing for this team, and we couldn’t have done what we’ve done without them.”
