Reinforcements could be coming soon for the Boston Red Sox, though not as soon as fans may have hoped.
Left fielder Roman Anthony (partially torn tendon in ring finger), shortstop Trevor Story (sports hernia surgery recovery), and utility infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa (stress reaction in forearm) aren’t with the team for Friday’s series opener at Yankee Stadium. Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy confirmed that the trio will continue their rehab assignments and be in Triple-A Worcester’s lineup on Saturday.
So, when could they return to the big-league club? Tracy discussed that and more injury updates before Friday’s game:
Roman Anthony, Trevor Story, Isiah Kiner-Falefa
Tracy said the club will evaluate Anthony, Story, and Kiner-Falefa after Saturday’s WooSox game. It’s possible they could return for Sunday’s series finale at Yankee Stadium.
“Physically, they are in a much better spot as far as their bodies,” Tracy said. “I think physically, they feel like they’re close to being ready. But then you still know they are working through stuff as far as like game play. … I don’t think we’re far off.”
Anthony is hitting .304 (7-23) with two homers, seven RBI, and a 1.022 OPS in seven rehab games between Worcester and Double-A Portland.
Story is hitting .156 (5-32) with zero extra-base hits, a .332 OPS, and 10 strikeouts in nine rehab games with the WooSox.
Kiner-Falefa is hitting .182 (4-22) with a double, a .584 OPS, and seven strikeouts in seven rehab games with Worcester.
Garrett Whitlock
Tracy revealed that the right-handed reliever will likely be activated from the injured list before one of Boston’s two games against New York on Saturday.
Whitlock hasn’t pitched since Aug. 9 due to elbow inflammation. He has a 2.05 ERA and 0.89 WHIP in 45 appearances for the Red Sox this season.
Garrett Crochet
Tracy shared a positive update on the left-handed ace’s recovery from a shoulder injury that has kept him sidelined since the end of April.
“He did mound catch actually,” Tracy said. “Similar to the last progression when he was able to play catch aggressively off a mound just to get used to the slope. Just catch. Not a bullpen. But he was able to play catch off the slope. So he continues to progress in the right direction.”
If and when Crochet returns, it’ll be in Boston’s bullpen.
Tanner Houck
Tracy revealed that the right-hander threw his fourth live batting practice in Fort Myers on Friday and “it went well.”
Houck, who underwent Tommy John surgery in Aug. 2025, will pitch in a Bridge League game on Sept. 1.
“They keep playing games during the downtime after the season’s over down there, but it’s like a game environment,” Tracy said. “So that’s the next logical step.”
