Why Red Sox Scratched Outfielder Roman Anthony Moments Before Royals Game

The Red Sox have kicked into high gear as they race toward a potential MLB playoff spot, but Boston might have hit a slight speed bump moments before Monday night’s game.

Alex Cora had to do a last-minute rewrite of his starting lineup shortly before first pitch against the Kansas City Royals. The Red Sox raised plenty of eyebrows and put New England on high alert by scratching rookie outfielder Roman Anthony.

Cora inserted Wyler Abreu — set for an off-night with left-hander Bailey Falter getting the start for the KC — into the lineup for Anthony.

The Red Sox later revealed Anthony was scratched due to back tightness.

The local broadcast captured Anthony trying to stretch out the back shortly before the game but ultimately had to consult with a member of the team’s training staff.

The Red Sox can’t really afford to lose Anthony for an extended period of time. His numbers might not jump off the page with just a pair of home runs, but his batting average has climbed steadily after some early struggles.

Anthony entered the week hitting .283 with a 132 OPS+, two figures that show how good he has been fewer than 200 at-bats into his big league career. He hasn’t yet qualified, but his under-the-hood numbers (like exit velocity and plate discipline metrics) would rank among the game’s best.

Boston is already dealing with another injury to one of its young stars, one that has already forced them to shuffle the lineup. Infielder Marcelo Mayer is out with a wrist injury that could end up costing him the season.

Regardless, while he’s been out, center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela has had to play second base. If Anthony has to miss extended time, it likely means Rob Refsnyder would get more run in the starting lineup.

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