Full Breakdown
Roman Anthony Shows Full-Field Power in First Rehab Game Since Wrist Injury
8/20/2026, 2:25:41 AM
Core Event: Rehab Assignment Highlights
Roman Anthony, the Red Sox’s 22-year-old outfielder, appeared for the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs in his first game since the wrist injury that sidelined him after May 4. In four plate appearances he went 2-for-2 with two walks and a two-run homer, driving a line-drive single to left with an exit velocity of 108 mph and a later blast to right that left a “108-mph vapor trail” beyond the bleachers.
Background & Context: Injury and Return
Anthony suffered a right-wrist fracture in early May, ending his regular-season campaign in which he posted a .229/.354/.321 slash line. After a rehabilitation program that resumed in late July, he was assigned to Portland to test his “all-fields” approach—hitting to both sides of the field—before a potential call-up to Fenway.
Data & Statistics
- Plate appearances: 4 (2 hits, 2 walks)
- Hits: 2-for-2, including a single (108 mph exit velocity) and a two-run homer (estimated 108 mph launch)
- Home runs this season: 1 (prior to injury) – the rehab homer was his second of the year and first to the pull side
- Season-to-date power: only one ball hit over 106 mph to opposite field before injury; the rehab single surpassed that mark
Official Statements & Responses
They also clarified that the game does not guarantee immediate promotion; the player will continue “mixed with off-days” and additional outfield work before a major-league roster decision.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I try not to get too high or too low on one day of performance, but for sure it’s motivating to see,” — Roman Anthony
- “That’s always been a part of my game, a big part of my game,” — Roman Anthony
- “That was probably the happiest I was tonight to see that swing because it wasn’t something I was doing a lot in the beginning of the year,” — Roman Anthony
Why It Matters
The display of opposite-field power and disciplined plate approach suggests Anthony may regain the versatility that made him a top prospect before the injury. If he sustains this performance against higher-level pitching, the Red Sox could consider accelerating his return to the major-league roster, adding depth to the outfield and a left-handed bat capable of handling both fastballs and off-speed offerings.
Timeline
- May 4: Last major-league appearance before wrist injury.
- Late July: Resumption of swing work in Red Sox training.
- Recent August game: First rehab assignment with Portland Sea Dogs, producing the outlined performance.
