Curtis Mead is reportedly being added to the Boston Red Sox roster after Chad Tracy revealed that Roman Anthony would not return for this series or the American League Division Series.
Removing Anthony from the Wild Card Series roster immediately knocks him out of the ALDS. The Red Sox were reportedly considering Mead and Anthony Seigler to replace Anthony, and it looks like Mead is getting the nod. He told reporters that he is feeling 100%, and he could be a huge boost to the team.
Mead, a righty, could end up getting his shot early against Max Fried if Chad Tracy wants to swap out Nick Sogard at second base.
Mead was having a career year before his injury, which happened in his first game with the Red Sox. He had 17 home runs and a .851 OPS in 87 games with the Washington Nationals. The Red Sox acquired him thinking he could be their regular second baseman. He is under contract through 2030, so he is a long-term piece, and not just a rental.
He has not played since July 27, but has been taking swings and working his way back. The real question is whether the Red Sox are comfortable with sticking him in a postseason game after so much time off. The reality is that they may not have a choice.
Losing Anthony is a huge blow, and if the Red Sox advance, they will need all the offense they can get against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Red Sox will just have to hope Mead can pick up where he left off.