Red Sox Prospect Roman Anthony Faces MRI After Oblique Tightness Scare

A collective sigh of concern rippled through Red Sox Nation on Friday as top prospect Roman Anthony was forced to exit the Worcester Red Sox's game against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs due to oblique tightness. The promising young outfielder, a critical piece of Boston's future, will now undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the issue, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his immediate playing status.

Anthony, batting left-handed, experienced the tightness on his left side – the same side he uses to swing.

WooSox manager Chad Tracy confirmed the discomfort, noting that Anthony was subsequently removed from Saturday's lineup as a precautionary measure, pending further evaluation. The incident occurred in the top of the fifth inning, shortly after Anthony struck out. Bobby Dalbec stepped in as his replacement, leaving fans to ponder the potential implications for the highly-touted rookie.

Before his untimely departure, Anthony had gone 0-for-2 in the game.

This season, playing for the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox, he has posted a .233 batting average, collecting three home runs and driving in 14 runs across 47 games. While these numbers might not jump off the page, his potential and raw talent are undeniable, making every game a development opportunity that Red Sox brass monitors closely.

Selected as the Red Sox's first-round pick (29th overall) in the 2022 draft, Roman Anthony has quickly ascended the organizational ranks.

He is currently ranked as MLB Pipeline's No. 17 overall prospect in baseball and holds the prestigious position of the Red Sox's No. 2 prospect. His blend of power, plate discipline, and defensive prowess has many believing he could be a cornerstone of the Red Sox's next championship contender. An injury at this critical stage of his development is undoubtedly a setback, but the hope remains that the MRI will deliver positive news, allowing him to return to the field swiftly and continue his promising journey toward Fenway Park.