Red Sox activate Roman Anthony, Trevor Story off 60-day IL

The Red Sox are getting two players back from the 60-day injured list, per the Boston Globe's Tim Healey. Outfielder Roman Anthony and shortstop Trevor Story have been activated, with Boston sending catcher Mickey Gasper and catcher Anthony Seigler to Triple-A Worcester to open the necessary active roster spots.

The club had two vacancies on its 40-man roster, so no corresponding moves were required there.

What happened

Anthony has been out since early May with a right wrist sprain, per the report. Story's return marks his activation from the same 60-day IL designation, though the report does not specify the injury that sidelined him or the length of his absence.

The Red Sox made the moves with two open slots on the 40-man roster already available, meaning only active roster adjustments were necessary. Gasper and Seigler are heading to Worcester, per Healey.

Why it matters

Anthony's return is the more significant of the two, per the report. The outfielder posted a 95 wRC+ across 130 plate appearances before the wrist injury, a below-average mark that followed a strong rookie campaign. In 303 plate appearances last year, Anthony batted .292/.396/.463, good for a 141 wRC+, per the report.

That line came with an extremely high .404 average on balls in play, per the report, which suggested some regression was always likely in his second season. The report notes that Boston is not counting on a full repeat of his rookie performance and will be satisfied if Anthony can provide average production.

Story's activation gives the Red Sox another veteran infielder as they push toward the postseason. The timing of both returns arrives with Boston holding a Wild Card spot and riding a three-game winning streak.

The numbers

Boston enters Sunday at 78-65 (.545), sitting third in the AL East and 7.5 games behind the division lead. The Red Sox hold the second Wild Card position in the American League, +6.0 relative to the cut line.

Anthony's 95 wRC+ before the injury represented below-average offensive production, per the report. His rookie line of .292/.396/.463 with a 141 wRC+ came with a .404 BABIP, per the report, a figure that typically signals unsustainable batted-ball luck. The report indicates that some decline was expected in year two, though the wrist sprain interrupted any chance to see how much of the rookie performance would hold.

Story's numbers were not detailed in the report.

Where the club stands

The Red Sox are riding a three-game winning streak and sit comfortably in a Wild Card spot with roughly a month remaining in the regular season. They trail the division leader by 7.5 games but hold a cushion over the Wild Card cut line, giving them breathing room as they integrate two returning players.

Boston faces the Yankees on Sunday at Yankee Stadium, with Ranger Suarez scheduled to oppose Will Warren. The Red Sox then return to Fenway Park for a two-game series against the Mariners, with Payton Tolle and Jedixson Paez slated to start Monday and Tuesday against George Kirby and Bryan Woo.

The active roster expands to 28 players on September 1, which will give the club additional flexibility to carry both returning players alongside the rest of its roster without needing further moves.

What we don't know yet

The report does not specify the nature or duration of Story's injury, only that he was on the 60-day IL and is now being activated. The 60-day designation requires a player to miss at least 60 days from the date of placement, but the report does not indicate when Story was placed on the list or what injury he sustained.

Anthony's wrist sprain kept him out since early May, per the report, but there is no detail on his rehab assignment or how he performed in minor-league games before activation. The report also does not clarify whether Anthony will slot immediately into the starting lineup or ease back into playing time.

Gasper and Seigler are both catchers, per the report, which suggests Boston is carrying at least one other catcher on the active roster. The report does not name that player or explain how the catching rotation will be managed with both Gasper and Seigler heading to Worcester.

What to watch

Anthony's offensive performance will be the primary storyline. The report frames Boston's expectations as modest—average production would satisfy the club—but his rookie line suggested a player capable of more. Whether the wrist is fully healed and whether his approach has adjusted after a slow start will shape his impact over the final month.

Story's role is less clear from the report. As a veteran shortstop, he could provide depth at a premium position or serve as a platoon option depending on matchups. His health and readiness after a lengthy absence will determine how quickly he factors into the lineup.

The Red Sox have a cushion in the Wild Card race, but the schedule includes a visit to Yankee Stadium and a home series against a Mariners team that could still be in playoff contention. Adding two players off the 60-day IL in late August is a luxury most contenders do not enjoy, and Boston will hope both can contribute immediately as the roster expands into September.

The assignment of two catchers also raises questions about roster construction. With Gasper and Seigler both heading to Worcester, the Red Sox are either carrying a third catcher already or plan to use the September expansion to bring one or both back. The report does not address that detail, but it will become clear once the active roster expands on Monday.