Red Sox Place Roman Anthony on Injured List With Hand Sprain

The Boston Red Sox have placed outfielder Roman Anthony on the 10-day injured list, effective May 7, 2026. The move is retroactive to May 5, 2026, following a right hand injury sustained during a series against the Detroit Tigers.

Anthony suffered the injury on May 4, 2026, at Comerica Park during a 5-4 victory over the Tigers. The incident occurred when Anthony fouled off a pitch on a check swing while facing Detroit pitcher Tyler Holton, causing him to flex his right hand in discomfort.

After consulting with head athletic trainer Brandon Henry and interim manager Chad Tracy, Anthony initially remained in the game after taking several practice swings. However, he was removed from the contest in the second inning and replaced in left field by Masataka Yoshida.

Injury Details and Recovery

While the injury was initially described as a wrist sprain, Anthony clarified on May 7, 2026, that the damage is specifically a sprained ligament under his right ring finger.

Anthony expressed optimism regarding the recovery process, noting that the treatment is straightforward and focuses on increasing blood flow to the arm, and wrist.

There’s so much that goes on in the hand, and I’ve never dealt with a hand issue before. So, I think just getting the news back, understanding that it’s nothing very serious, is the best news we could have gotten. The treatment is pretty simple, trying to get a lot of blood flow circulating around the wrist and the arm. Nothing too crazy. Just a little sprain. The ligament near the ring finger. Nothing that will take too long. So, I think that’s the best part.

Roman Anthony

The outfielder intends to return to the active roster as soon as he is eligible, which is May 15, 2026, coinciding with the start of a road trip in Atlanta.

For me, where I stand right now, how it’s gone on and the way it’s felt over the last few days, when the IL stint is over, I plan to be in that game the next day.

Roman Anthony

Roster Adjustments

To fill the roster spot vacated by Anthony, the Red Sox recalled Mickey Gasper from Triple-A Worcester. The decision to move Anthony to the injured list came after the team returned to Fenway Park for a four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Interim manager Chad Tracy indicated that the team had initially considered keeping Anthony as day to day on May 5, 2026, but ultimately decided against playing shorthanded.

It was more of a case of how long are we willing to play shorthanded, which we’ve already done for two days.

Chad Tracy

The Red Sox have adjusted their starting lineup to compensate for Anthony’s absence. Masataka Yoshida is expected to handle the majority of Anthony’s at-bats while serving as the designated hitter. The outfield positions will be filled by:

• Jarren Duran
• Ceddanne Rafaela
• Wilyer Abreu