Boston Red Sox Outfielder Experiences Another Setback in Quest to Return from Injury

· Yahoo Sports

Boston Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy met with the media ahead of Friday night’s series opener in Cleveland, where he issued a less-than-encouraging update on injured outfielder Roman Anthony. Here’s what you need to know: 

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According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, Tracy told reporters that Anthony has once again been shut down from hitting after experiencing discomfort in his right hand after hitting off a tee ahead of Thursday afternoon’s loss to Atlanta. 

Anthony was initially injured back on May 4 in a game against the Detroit Tigers.

Friday marks the second time the 22-year-old’s recovery has been slowed by a setback. He was shut down over a week ago after attempting to begin a swinging progression during the team’s three-game series in Kansas City. 

"It’s not Roman’s fault. None of that’s anybody’s fault," Tracy told Cotillo, "It’s just that he got hurt and it’s a nagging injury on a hand when he’s trying to hit. We have to be patient with that, and it’s gonna take a little longer."

Anthony was finally able to swing a bat without discomfort before the Tuesday and Wednesday games before progressing to tee work. Now he’ll have to wait a few more days to get back to work. 

Friday's setback comes just one day after Anthony revealed on the WEEI Red Sox pregame show ahead of Thursday afternoon's loss to Atlanta that his injury is a torn ligament in his right ring finger, a direct contradiction of all messaging from team officials about the injury. 

The 22-year-old Anthony has been out of the Red Sox lineup since May 5. 

When will Anthony be back in the lineup? 

After initially being optimistic that he would spend the minimum 10 days on the injured list, Anthony's absence seems destined to extend well into June. Since his initial prognosis, both the team and Anthony have refused to put a timeline on his return, raising questions about the 22-year-old's toughness. 

"In a way, it can be described as that. But also no at the same time," Tracy told WEEI's Rich Shertenlieb on Wednesday afternoon when asked if Anthony's injury is a pain tolerance issue. Tracy went on to explain that due to the location of the injury, it would be hard for Anthony to perform to his full capabilities. 

After missing as much time as Anthony has, he will undoubtedly need at least a couple of games on a rehab assignment. After Friday's setback, he could still be weeks away from that crucial checkpoint. 

In other Red Sox injury news

According to Cotillo, Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet will throw a multi-inning live batting practice on Tuesday when the team returns home from their short three-game road trip. Getting stretched out marks the next step for Crochet, who completed one inning of live batting practice on Tuesday. 

The Red Sox will open a three-game set in Cleveland on Friday night, taking on the Guardians. Tyler Samaniego (0-2, 1.04 ERA) will get the start as an opener for Brayan Bello (2-5, 6.43 ERA), opposite Slade Cecconi (3-5, 5.18 ERA) for Cleveland. First pitch from Progressive Field set for 7:10 p.m. ET. 

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