The Yankees pummeled Boston 9-0, turning the Wild Card opener into a must‑win for the Sox. Can Boston pull off a comeback?
Anthony, leading off as DH, struck out twice against New York ace Cam Schlittler, part of Schlittler’s ten punchouts in 6 1/3 shutout innings. In the sixth, Andruw Monasterio pinch‑hit for him.
Postgame, manager Chad Tracy told the Boston Herald’s Gabrielle Starr that Anthony’s right hand “flared on him” and felt “uncomfortable” after checked swings. The lingering pain forced Tracy to pull him, and he admitted “it’s hard to say right now” if he’ll suit up for Game 2. In my view, pulling him was the safest call.
Anthony appeared in just 55 games this year because of the same right‑hand issue. After a May 5 IL stint for a wrist sprain that proved to be a partially torn tendon in his right ring finger, he returned on August 30 and posted a solid .262/.321/.476 line in 112 PA, mainly in the outfield, suggesting the injury was behind him entering the postseason.
The Sox now face a tough decision. In a regular season game they’d likely sit him, but with only 25 men in a win‑or‑go home Game 2, Boston is at a clear disadvantage. If his hand still troubles him, could the Red Sox replace him on the roster, sacrificing his availability until the ALCS to boost their odds of advancing?