Red Sox: Roman Anthony's recovery path is rest, not surgery

Boston — Roman Anthony, who missed more than four months due to a finger/hand/wrist injury and was later taken off the active playoff roster due to relapse, does not require surgery, the Red Sox reiterated on Monday. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow revealed that Anthony has undergone multiple follow-up appointments and imaging in Boston.

The team is still evaluating the most appropriate treatment course, but for now, rest appears to be the optimal path for recovery. Anthony was placed on the injured list in early May, expecting a brief absence. However, setbacks led to months of recuperation before he could grip a bat again. After spending a significant period in rehab in Fort Myers, Anthony had a brief rehab stint in Portland and Worcester before returning to the lineup in late August.

Despite appearing pain-free upon return, discomfort increased in the final days of the season. Upon feeling pain with check swings in his first and second at-bats in Game 1, Anthony was removed from the game. The Red Sox subsequently took him off the active roster the following day. During his recovery, Anthony repeatedly stated that doctors told him surgery was not an option, as the problem could not be surgically repaired.

Breslow clarified that resting the hand during the winter differs significantly from rehabbing and attempting to return to play. While Anthony was focused on getting healthy, he also pushed to return to the field once he felt comfortable and confident. In the offseason, players can truly focus on getting healthy, he explained. Resting the hand completely and ensuring there is no progression to a second step is crucial before resuming activity.