Red Sox Face Big Question After Anthony’s Injury Woes

Roman Anthony stopped swinging in early May, missing 32 games and still not ready to play. The team’s boss admitted the front office misread his finger injury, calling it a sprain when it was actually a partial tear. Anthony said the pain in his ring finger keeps him from hitting properly, and he hopes to be pain‑free before a return date can be set. When Anthony broke his finger on May 4 against the Tigers, he was put on a short injured list. He tried to come back with dry swings, but soreness lingered. The Red Sox cut back on his rehab, and the organization’s denial of a tear only delayed recovery. The manager later apologized for mislabeling the injury, but by then Anthony’s progress stalled.The loss of a player who batted . 292 last season and is now hitting only . 229 hurts the team’s record of 28‑39. Fans and analysts alike blame the front office for mishandling his injury. A quick trade could bring fresh power to a squad that needs it. Anthony estimates six to eight weeks before he can play again, which would push his return past the All‑Star break. That means the Red Sox must decide whether to keep waiting or look for replacements before the deadline. Possible targets include Jeremy Pena, who hits well and is on a one‑year deal, or Isaac Paredes, known for pulling fly balls—both could fit Fenway’s layout. If the team can’t bring Anthony back quickly, trading for new sluggers may be the only way to keep their playoff hopes alive. The decision will shape the rest of the season and test how well Boston can respond to setbacks.