The Boston Red Sox opted not to activate outfielder Roman Anthony or shortstop Trevor Story for the start of a critical four-game series against the New York Yankees on August 28, 2026. Despite both players being on rehab assignments in Worcester, the team is prioritizing timing and physical readiness over an immediate return.
The decision leaves the Red Sox without two of their most expensive and anticipated assets as they battle for the top American League wild-card berth. While both players expressed a desire to return, the front office has resisted the urge to circle a specific date on the calendar, choosing instead to let the players work through the final stages of their recovery.
The Holding Pattern for Roman Anthony and Trevor Story
Roman Anthony and Trevor Story both utilized the team’s Thursday off-day to take extra at-bats in Worcester, according to MLB.com, in a move that could have triggered a Friday activation. However, that call-up never materialized. Red Sox manager Chad Tracy emphasized that the team is not rushing the process, noting that when a player is out for three-and-a-half months, it is difficult to circle a date on the calendar
and declare a return.
The two players are arriving at this juncture from very different medical paths. Anthony, a $130 million outfielder, has been sidelined since early May. Originally diagnosed with a right wrist sprain, the injury was later clarified as a partial tear of a tendon in his right ring finger. Anthony’s recovery was plagued by setbacks in late May, and he did not swing the bat pain-free until late July.
Trevor Story’s absence stems from a sports hernia that required surgery on May 21. The veteran shortstop, who had a dominant 2025 season with 25 home runs and 96 RBIs, struggled early in 2026 with a .206 average before the surgery. While Story has reportedly expressed a desire to be in New York for the series, his current production in the minors has been underwhelming.
| Player | Rehab Performance | Injury Type |
|---|---|---|
| Roman Anthony | .304 AVG, 2 HR, 2 2B, 7 RBI (7 games) | Partial tendon tear (right ring finger) |
| Trevor Story | .156 AVG, 0 XBH, 3 RBI, 10 K (9 games) | Sports hernia (post-surgery) |
Performance Gaps and Roster Stability
The disparity in rehab numbers provides a glimpse into why Boston is staying patient. Anthony has looked sharp, including a two-run home run with an exit velocity north of 106 mph during his Worcester debut. Story, conversely, has struggled with his approach. According to reporting from The Boston Globe, Story is maintaining a chase rate hovering near 39 percent in Worcester, a struggle that mirrored his time in the majors before the injury.
Despite the missing stars, the Red Sox have found an unexpected rhythm. The team has gone 27-12 since the All-Star break and 41-14 since June 24, according to Yahoo Sports. Mickey Gasper has stepped up as the primary designated hitter, and the middle infield has remained stable without Story.
This success removes the element of desperation from the decision. Manager Chad Tracy noted that while some might expect a team to fall apart when tapping deep into its depth, the contributors who have stepped up have been awesome
.
The Path Forward for the Injured List
While Anthony and Story remain in Worcester, other pieces of the puzzle are moving. Reliever Garrett Whitlock was expected to return from the injured list on Saturday after facing hitters in a practice setting on Wednesday.
For Roman Anthony, the window for a return is narrow but open. He will remain in Worcester through Saturday, ruling him out of the Saturday doubleheader. This leaves Sunday or the Monday home opener against the Seattle Mariners as the earliest realistic activation dates.
The Red Sox currently sit two games behind the Yankees in the race for the top AL wild-card berth. With the tiebreaker potentially decided by this four-game set, the team is balancing the immediate need for talent against the risk of a premature return that could lead to further setbacks for a $130 million prospect and a veteran leader with a long history of injuries.
