Boston Red Sox outfielder and designated hitter Roman Anthony was sent back to Boston for diagnostic imaging on September 30, 2026, after experiencing renewed pain in his right hand during the opening game of the American League Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Major League Baseball’s office of the commissioner approved the Red Sox’s roster replacement request, allowing Curtis Mead to take Anthony’s place for the remainder of the series.
Roster Swap and Postseason Eligibility Rules
Manager Chad Tracy announced the roster move prior to Game 2 at Yankee Stadium, noting that diagnostic tests revealed additional damage in muscles that were not previously impacted. Major League Baseball medical director Dr. Gary Green reviewed the medical records and confirmed the injury before the league officially approved Mead’s inclusion. Under MLB postseason regulations, a club may petition the commissioner’s office to replace an incapacitated player. League rules dictate that Anthony is ineligible to return for the American League Division Series should Boston advance, though he remains eligible to rejoin the active roster for the League Championship Series.
Impact of the Injury on Anthony’s Sophomore Season
The latest setback compounds a difficult physical year for the 22-year-old, who missed approximately four months between May and August due to ongoing discomfort in his right hand and wrist. Anthony finished third in the American League Rookie of the Year voting during the previous season, batting .292 with 27 extra-base hits and 48 runs scored across 71 games. His production dipped in 2026 as he battled physical limitations, finishing the regular season with a .245 batting average, 19 extra-base hits, and 55 appearances. His OPS+ dropped from 140 to 108 year-over-year, a decline attributed to difficulties swinging with a compromised hand.
Game 2 Lineups and Series Context
The New York Yankees entered Game 2 holding a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series following a 9-0 victory in the opener. Facing postseason elimination for the second year in the Bronx, the Red Sox handed the ball to right-hander Sonny Gray, who led the league with 18 victories and a 2.72 ERA across 169 innings. The Yankees countered with left-hander Max Fried, who posted a 5-5 record and a 2.80 ERA over 20 regular-season starts in a campaign shortened by injuries. Boston’s revised batting order for Game 2 features Jahmai Jones as the designated hitter, Adley Rutschman catching, and Willson Contreras at first base, while New York deployed Ben Rice as the designated hitter and Cody Bellinger in left field against the right-handed Gray.
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