Red Sox Remove Roman Anthony From Postseason Roster After Hand Injury Worsens

Key points

• MLB officially approved the transaction replacing Roman Anthony with Curtis Mead on the Red Sox roster on September 30, 2026.
• Anthony was removed after an MRI revealed new strains in his right hand and wrist, in addition to re-aggravating a partial tendon and ligament tear in his right ring finger.
• Under MLB rules, a player removed from a playoff roster during a series is ineligible for the subsequent round, meaning Anthony cannot play in the AL Division Series even if the Red Sox advance.
• Manager Chad Tracy confirmed the injury 'flared' after Anthony took a check swing and another swing during Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series, which the Red Sox lost 9-0 to the Yankees.
• Anthony missed 101 games during the regular season due to the initial hand injury, which was initially diagnosed as a wrist sprain but later identified as a torn ligament in his right ring finger.
• The Red Sox are now on the brink of elimination in the AL Wild Card Series, with the Yankees holding a 1-0 lead after a dominant performance by Cam Schlittler.

Background

Roman Anthony, 22, had a promising debut season in 2025, hitting .292/.396/.463 in 71 games, which led to a $130 million extension with the Red Sox. However, his 2026 season was severely disrupted by a right-hand injury that initially was diagnosed as a wrist sprain but later identified as a torn ligament in his right ring finger. This injury placed him on the injured list for nearly four months, and he was only able to play in 55 regular season games, hitting .245/.339/.396. He returned from the injured list on August 30, 2026, and had a strong performance in his return, including a multi-hit rehab debut with Double-A Portland. Despite his return, the injury continued to bother him, and he was removed from Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series after the injury flared. The Red Sox had previously sent Anthony to Fort Myers, Florida, in early July to continue his rehab at their spring training complex, but the injury did not respond to treatment.

How outlets are covering it

MLB Trade Rumors and NBC Sports both confirmed the official removal of Anthony from the roster and the replacement with Curtis Mead. NBC Sports emphasized the concern that Anthony may require surgery, which could jeopardize his status for the start of the 2027 season. CBS Sports highlighted the impact of Anthony's absence on the Red Sox's lineup, noting that he was their best answer against the Yankees' velocity-based pitching. The Red Sox's medical staff has faced criticism from some fans for the initial misdiagnosis of the injury as a wrist sprain, which led to a prolonged absence. Manager Chad Tracy acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, stating that the injury 'flared' and became uncomfortable, requiring a move. The Red Sox are now focused on staying alive in the AL Wild Card Series, with the Yankees holding a 1-0 lead after a dominant performance by Cam Schlittler.

Why it matters

The removal of Roman Anthony from the Red Sox's postseason roster is a significant development that could impact the team's chances of advancing in the AL Wild Card Series. Anthony, a key player in the Red Sox's lineup, was expected to be a difference-maker against the Yankees' pitching staff. His absence, combined with the Red Sox's loss in Game 1, puts the team on the brink of elimination. The injury also raises concerns about Anthony's long-term health and availability for the 2027 season, which could have implications for the Red Sox's future plans and budget. The Red Sox's decision to replace Anthony with Curtis Mead reflects the team's need to adapt to the injury and maintain a competitive roster for the remainder of the postseason.

What to watch

The Red Sox must win Game 2 of the AL Wild Card Series against the Yankees to avoid elimination. The team will likely rely on Curtis Mead and other players to fill in for Anthony's absence. The Red Sox will also need to monitor Anthony's recovery and determine whether he will require surgery, which could impact his availability for the 2027 season. The team's focus will shift to the future, including how to get Anthony's hand back to normal and whether they will make significant changes to their roster makeup after the season.