Best-Case Scenario for Roman Anthony's Red Sox Return

The Boston Red Sox could be just days away from seeing Roman Anthony back in the big leagues.

On Sunday, the club shared that Anthony's minor league rehab assignment will continue on Tuesday, with Triple-A Worcester. He played the first four games of his rehab assignment with Double-A Portland. Over that stretch, Anthony went 3-for-11 from the plate with one home run, one double and three RBIs.

Roman Anthony no-doubt home run 💪

He's reached base all 3 plate appearances in his first rehab appearance with Double-A Portland. pic.twitter.com/rxMxFb05B9
— MLB (@MLB) August 18, 2026

Anthony's rehab assignment began on Aug. 18. With rehab assignments for position players having a maximum of 20 days, the last day he could be down in the minors before the Red Sox have to make a decision about him will be on Sunday, Sep. 6. That would be day No. 20, if he needs that long down in the minors.

When Could We See Roman Anthony Back?

Apr 27, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox designated hitter Roman Anthony (19) hits an RBI single against the Toronto Blue Jays in the fifth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It sounds like there's at least a chance he may not need the entire time. On Monday, the Red Sox will begin a three-game series against the Miami Marlins that will last through Wednesday night before Boston has a day off on Thursday. Then, Boston will kick off a four-game series against the New York Yankees from Friday, Aug. 29 through Sunday, Aug. 30.

On Sunday, Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy was asked about Anthony and "wouldn't completely" rule out Anthony returning during the Marlins series, as transcribed by MLB.com's Ian Browne.

“I wouldn't completely rule it out,” Tracy said when asked if Anthony could return in Miami. “But I still think he's in the building-up phase of outfield and continuing to get at-bats. So, I won't completely rule it out, but he's definitely going to continue on Tuesday in Worcester.“

It certainly doesn't seem likely that Anthony will return during the series. Again, he's expected to play for Worcester on Tuesday. So, if he's going to return during the Marlins series, the best-case scenario would seem to be Wednesday in the series finale. If not then, the best-case scenario would be in the upcoming Yankees series.

But the Yankees series, on the other hand, sounds like a perfect time to bring the young slugger back up to the majors. He's clearly close to the point that Tracy wouldn't rule him out for the week. Boston won't begin the Yankees series until Friday. That would give Anthony time to play in at least two or three games in Triple-A before the Yankees series even begins.

One route could be playing Tuesday and Wednesday in Worcester and then joining Boston for Thursday's day off before the Yankees series. Regardless, Anthony is close. Imagine the hype if the young outfielder is able to return to action at Yankee Stadium with Boston and the Yankees fighting for the American League Wild Card spot? He can make a legit impact in the race.

Anthony is coming. Now, it's just a matter of when.

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