Roman Anthony Nearing Minor League Rehab Assignment for Red Sox

Roman Anthony is nearing a minor league rehab assignment as his recovery continues to progress, per Ian Browne of MLB.com. The Red Sox outfielder hasn't been given a firm timetable in the reporting, but the framing — "getting closer" — suggests the assignment is a matter of when, not if.

The other name to watch

A veteran shortstop is also working out in Boston and approaching the game action phase of his own rehab, per the same report. Like Anthony, no specific return date has been attached to either situation, and both carry meaningful uncertainty.

Why it matters right now

Boston has dropped five straight games and scored three or fewer runs in four consecutive contests, a stretch that reversed what had been a recent hot streak. The bullpen picture has also thinned, with Garrett Whitlock placed on the 15-day IL with right elbow inflammation, retroactive to August 10. Two potential contributors working their way back toward game action is at least a thread worth following for a club navigating a difficult stretch.

What remains unconfirmed

Neither a rehab assignment date nor a target return date for Anthony or the shortstop appears in the report. The confidence on both items reflects that — these are rehab progressions, not announcements.