Red Sox activate Roman Anthony from IL, will bat leadoff Sunday

The Boston Red Sox activated outfielder Roman Anthony from the injured list ahead of their series finale against the New York Yankees on Sunday, per Yahoo Sports, and penciled him into the leadoff spot as the designated hitter for the August 30 game at Yankee Stadium.

Anthony, 22, has been out since May 4 with finger and wrist injuries and experienced several setbacks during his recovery, per the report. He is expected to play most every day at either DH or in left field.

The Red Sox also activated shortstop Trevor Story from the injured list, per the report. Story will bat eighth and play shortstop Sunday.

What happened

Anthony posted a .280 batting average, .367 on-base percentage, and .600 slugging percentage during his rehab assignment at Class AAA Worcester, per Yahoo Sports, collecting two doubles, two home runs, and seven RBIs. The report did not specify the length of the rehab assignment or the nature of the setbacks that extended his absence beyond the initial injury timeline.

The Yankees have won two of the first three games in the series and currently hold a three-game lead over the Red Sox in the race for the top American League wild-card position, per the report.

Why it matters

The Red Sox are adding a top prospect to their lineup for the final month of the season while holding the second wild-card position in the American League. Anthony's return gives the club another bat in a lineup chasing a playoff berth, and the expectation that he will play most days suggests the Red Sox view him as a regular contributor rather than a September depth piece.

The timing is notable: the Red Sox are activating Anthony and Story just before the final game of a series in which they have already lost two of three to a division rival that sits ahead of them in the wild-card race. The additions arrive as the club enters the final stretch of the regular season.

The report did not specify corresponding roster moves to clear space for the two activations. The Red Sox will carry 26 players through August 31 before rosters expand to 28 on September 1.

The numbers

Anthony's rehab line at Worcester — a .280 average, .367 on-base mark, and .600 slugging percentage with two doubles, two home runs and seven RBIs — offers the only statistical glimpse of his readiness. The report did not include his major-league season line or the number of games or plate appearances in the rehab assignment.

Where the club stands

The Red Sox are 78-65 (.545), third in the AL East and 7.5 games back. They rank second in the wild-card race, six games ahead of the cut line, and carry a three-game winning streak into Sunday's series finale.

Ranger Suarez is the probable starter for Boston on Sunday against the Yankees' Will Warren at Yankee Stadium. The Red Sox return home Monday to open a series against the Seattle Mariners, with Payton Tolle scheduled to face George Kirby. Jedixson Paez is the probable starter for Tuesday's game against Bryan Woo.

The schedule offers little breathing room as the Red Sox attempt to hold their playoff position over the final month. The margin in the wild-card standings is narrow, and the additions of Anthony and Story arrive as the club tries to maintain its cushion over the cut line while chasing the Yankees for the top spot.

What we don't know yet

The report did not specify the corresponding roster moves to clear space for Anthony and Story. The Red Sox will need to make two moves to accommodate the activations, and the identity of the players sent down, designated for assignment, or placed on the injured list remains unclear.

The nature and severity of the setbacks Anthony experienced during his recovery were not detailed in the report. The finger and wrist injuries have kept him out since May 4, but the report did not include a diagnosis, a surgical procedure, or a timeline for the setbacks that extended his absence.

The report also did not specify whether Anthony will be limited in any way upon his return or whether the club has a plan to manage his workload over the final month. The expectation that he will play most days at DH or left field suggests he is healthy enough for regular duty, but the report did not include a statement from the club or Anthony on his readiness.

What to watch

Anthony's first game back will offer the clearest indication of where he stands after nearly four months away. The leadoff spot and DH role suggest the Red Sox are confident in his health and his ability to contribute immediately, but the transition from a rehab assignment to major-league pitching in a playoff race is a steep one.

The Red Sox will also need to manage two returning players while maintaining the roster flexibility required for the final month. The September 1 roster expansion to 28 players will ease some of the pressure, but the club will need to balance Anthony and Story's playing time with the rest of the roster down the stretch.

The wild-card race will dictate the urgency of every decision. The Red Sox hold a cushion over the cut line, but the Yankees sit three games ahead in the standings, and the margin between the second and third wild-card spots is thin. Anthony's return adds a piece to the lineup, but the Red Sox will need to win games to hold their position, and the schedule offers no easy stretches.

The series finale Sunday will be the first test. The Red Sox have lost two of three to the Yankees and will send Suarez to the mound in an attempt to salvage a split. Anthony will bat leadoff, Story will hit eighth, and the Red Sox will try to carry their three-game winning streak into the final month with two key players back in the lineup.