Red Sox replace Roman Anthony (hand) with Curtis Mead on Wild Card roster
Red Sox designated hitter Roman Anthony greets teammates prior to Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series against the Yankees on Tuesday at Yankee Stadium. Credit: AP/Frank Franklin II
It was an ominous sign for the Red Sox when Roman Anthony was removed from Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series with the Yankees for a pinch hitter in the sixth inning due to discomfort in his right hand.
What was feared became reality in the hours between Boston’s 9-0 loss and first pitch of Wednesday’s Game 2.
Anthony was not in the lineup when it was announced and will be replaced on the playoff roster by Curtis Mead. By rule, Anthony will not be allowed to play in the ALDS should the Red Sox make it there. An injury to the same hand put Anthony on the IL for 101 games this season and this one could end his season even if Boston were to advance.
Red Sox manager Chad Tracy said the club sent him back to Massachusetts for imaging after the loss and that it revealed “additional damage to some muscles in his wrist that weren't there before.”
Tracy added that the paperwork had been submitted to replace Anthony on the roster and the organization was deciding on who might take his spot.
“He's a really good player so certainly not something we wanted to happen,” Tracy said. “Having him in there is important. . . . (I) can't reiterate enough, we've dealt with things like this all year. And the show goes on. You've got to play tonight and go out there and win a ball game.”
Roger Rubin returned to Newsday in 2018 to write about high schools, colleges and baseball following 20 years at the Daily News. A Baseball Hall of Fame voter since 2011, he has covered 13 MLB postseasons and 14 NCAA Final Fours.
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