The Red Sox have been without Roman Anthony since early May. He partially tore a ligament and tendon in his right ring finger, and the team moved him to the 60-day IL shortly after. He’s not expected back until at least late July, maybe August. For a guy who turned heads at the World Baseball Classic this spring, it’s been a frustrating year in Boston.
But Monday night, before the Home Run Derby started, the Pat McAfee crew decided to have a little fun with Mark DeRosa about it. DeRosa managed Team USA at the WBC, and Anthony got a ton of playing time for a guy who was still technically a prospect. So when the show brought DeRosa on, Connor Campbell jumped in with a joke: “Yeah, me too. And then you ran him into the ground, DeRo!”
DeRosa took it in stride. He said he reached out to Anthony because he genuinely likes the kid. But the bit landed because there’s actually a kernel of truth to it. Anthony had 25 at-bats in the tournament, tied for sixth-most among all players from any team. He saw more action for Team USA as a second-year prospect than some of the established veterans on the roster.
Now, obviously, nobody actually thinks the WBC caused a random finger injury two months later. That’s not how ligaments work. But it does highlight something worth talking about: Anthony’s sophomore season in Boston has been a letdown so far. Through 109 at-bats, he’s got 25 hits, one home run and five RBIs. That’s a .229 average and a .354 on-base percentage. For a guy who came into the year with serious hype, the numbers just aren’t there.
DeRosa handled the ribbing well. “I love that dude,” he said on air. And Campbell was obviously joking. But it’s the kind of joke that lands because there’s a little reality behind it. Anthony played a lot in March. He’s hurt now. The team is missing his bat. And the Red Sox are trying to stay relevant in the AL East without him.
Whether DeRosa’s usage had anything to do with it is nonsense. But for one night before the Home Run Derby, it made for a good bit.
Leave a Comment