The Boston Red Sox have been without Trevor Story and Roman Anthony for most of the season, but all week, there has been speculation that the two could return for this weekend's series against the New York Yankees.
It's a very important series, and both have gotten substantial work in on their respective rehab assignments. However, they won't be making an appearance in the Red Sox lineup until the final game of the Yankees series, at the earliest, per MLB.com's Ian Browne.
None of the rehabbing Red Sox, Anthony Story or Isiah Kiner-Falefa, are in the WooSox lineup for Friday. All of them have an off day, and according to Bridgette Proulx, all three will be in the lineup on Saturday. All three have an off day on Friday, and after Saturday, the Red Sox will likely reevaluate which of them, if any, are ready to return to the Red Sox.
Anthony has seen great results in his rehab games, highlighted by two home runs and some great exit velocities. He is the big bat that fans have their eye on. He was struggling before his injury, but fans know the caliber of player he is, and his return would be great for the offense.
Story was struggling big tim before his injury, and while the hope is that he will go back to hitting how he was last year, the Red Sox have seen solid performances from the replacement infielders. With Masataka Yoshida hurt and Jarren Duran having a down year, Anthony's return would be more impactful.
Self-admittedly, Anthony noted on Thursday that he's not quite where he wants to be at the plate yet, but will be ready when the time comes.
"I’m getting more and more at bats, I’m getting to where I want to be at the plate," Anthony told Bridgette Proulx after Thursday's WooSox game. "Am I quite there yet? Probably not. I’m getting close to where I want to be. Like I said, I’ll be ready when the time is right.”