The rich could get richer for the stretch run. That's because the Boston Red Sox have to like what they saw Tuesday when outfielder Roman Anthony made his rehab debut with the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs.
Playing designated hitter and batting second in the lineup, Anthony went 2-for-2 with two walks and a pair of RBIs in the Sea Dogs' 7-5 win over the Reading Fightin Phils.
The big swing came in the bottom of the fifth inning, when Anthony drilled a two-run home run. Masslive.com's Christopher Smith reported Hadlock Field "erupted" when Anthony's smash left the ballpark with an exit velocity of 108 mph.
“It was great,” Anthony said, per Smith. “They showed out, as expected, as they always do. So I feed off of them. I love our fans. They’re passionate. So great to see them here in Portland.”
The Red Sox would love to add Anthony's bat for their playoff push after having played the last four months with him on the injured list with a torn ligament in his right ring finger.
Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said Tuesday that Anthony will have a "hybrid day" Wednesday, meaning he might or might not play against the Phils.
“I think they wanted to see where I was at tomorrow,” Anthony said, according to Smith. “Obviously juiced up and that first-game jitters, the adrenaline’s probably still there. So I think the plan is to see where we’re at tomorrow. And I know they wanted to potentially keep it as a lower day. But if I come in and feel good, I’m gonna play. So that’s the goal. So we’ll see where I’m at and everything that kind of goes into it from a volume standpoint. But looking to play.”
The plan is for Anthony to see how he feels Wednesday morning before making any decision. Regardless, the 22-year-old knows he's on the right path back to the big leagues sooner rather than later after Tuesday's performance.
“Felt great,” Anthony said, per Smith. “Kind of just like that stock standard first day back where you’re just kind of going out there and playing like a kid again."