Three days later, Anthony appeared in the starting lineup against the Twins in Sunday’s split-squad action, starting in center field and batting ninth for the Sox, along with Rafael Devers, Masataka Yoshida, and Lucas Giolito. Manager Alex Cora responded bluntly when asked if Red Sox Nation would be seeing highly-touted prospect Roman Anthony in any upcoming spring training games. “That’s a hard no,” Cora said.
In his three plate appearances, Anthony had good command of the plate by walking twice, scoring a run, and striking out once.
Anthony reportedly replied, “I just stuck to my approach, stuck to what I do,” as reported by Sean McAdam of MassLive. My best efforts are directed towards fighting and competing, working the count, and hitting a pitch. I felt comfortable in the box because I could see it clearly today.
After seeing the Red Sox play the Orioles’ rookie sensation, Jackson Holliday, in the first Grapefruit League game of the preseason, Cora said to the media that he instantly altered his mind about Anthony not seeing any spring training action.
The captain acknowledged that it’s critical for young players to watch big-league pitching in person and to participate in a game that is broadcast live to the public. Minor league players rarely encounter obstacles similar to those seen in the big leagues, but spring training offers them just that.
Anthony’s debut may portend well for Red Sox supporters. Numerous journalists have conjectured that Holliday would ascend quickly through Baltimore’s farm system and play in major league games before anyone could have predicted when he was selected in the draft. Anthony facing major leaguers early in spring training might enable Boston to achieve a similar result.
Anthony gets to mingle with the Sox’s seasoned veterans by starting him in spring training games. As spring training games are more about learning than winning, Anthony will benefit from playing with Boston’s top players as well as pick up insightful coaching advice.
Cora’s abrupt change of heart over Anthony participating in spring training games could mean that Sox supporters see him in the majors sooner than expected. Numerous reporters have speculated that Boston may see Anthony either late in the current season or early in 2025.
With all the additional training and guidance Anthony is sure to receive, it’s possible he may make his debut before then.
