Red Sox Activate Roman Anthony, Trevor Story for High-Stakes Finale
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Boston brings back key offensive pieces for Sunday's series finale against the New York Yankees as they battle for wild-card positioning.
The Boston Red Sox activated outfielder Roman Anthony and shortstop Trevor Story from the injured list on Sunday, according to CBS Sports. Both players are slated to start in the series finale against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium.
Anthony, who had been sidelined since May 4 due to a hand/wrist injury, returns to a lineup that has struggled at the leadoff spot. CBS Sports reports that during Anthony's absence, Boston's leadoff hitters ranked 28th in the MLB in batting average (.224), 29th in on-base percentage (.303), and 25th in slugging percentage (.378). While Anthony hit .229/.354/.321 in 30 games this season before his injury, he is coming off a strong rehab stint where he hit .280 and slugged two home runs across eight games. Last season, the 22-year-old posted a .292/.396/.463 line over 71 games.
Story returns after undergoing hernia surgery on May 14. Though he struggled in 41 games prior to the injury, hitting .206/.244/.303, he provided significant power last season with 25 home runs.
To make room for the returning starters, the Red Sox sent utility man Mickey Gasper and infielder Anthony Seigler to Triple-A, per CBS Sports. The move comes as Boston looks to optimize its roster for a critical Sunday matchup. A win would grant Boston the tiebreaker over the Yankees, which CBS Sports notes could determine home-field advantage in a potential Wild Card Series matchup.
Yahoo Sports also confirmed the activation of both players for the series finale. Additionally, CBS Sports reports that ace Garrett Crochet is expected to return as a reliever in September following a shoulder injury.