The Red Sox saw a significant shift in momentum following the injury to standout rookie outfielder Roman Anthony — a player who had been ranked baseball’s No. 1 overall prospect for over a year.
Anthony was promoted to the majors on June 9, and after a slow start, he broke through with a standout 3-for-6 performance on June 28, which included two doubles and two runs scored in a 15-1 blowout win. That game marked a turning point.
Over the next 56 games, Boston flourished offensively, hitting .268 as a team with a .335 OBP and .454 slugging percentage. They ranked among the league’s best in key offensive metrics and averaged 5.5 runs per game. The Red Sox posted a 38-19 record during that stretch, putting them in a tie for the top spot in the American League wild-card race with a comfortable 6-game cushion.
However, that momentum came to a halt on September 2. During a seemingly routine at-bat against the Guardians, Anthony grimaced in pain after a swing-and-miss and immediately exited the game with what appeared to be a back injury — a moment that has cast uncertainty over Boston’s postseason push.
A former Red Sox star has since spoken out about the impact of Anthony’s absence, emphasizing just how pivotal the young outfielder had become to the team’s success.
