BOSTON — Rookie standout Roman Anthony was originally in Monday’s Red Sox lineup as the right-fielder, hitting third against Royals left-hander Bailey Falter. But seconds before the game started, manager Alex Cora trotted out to tell the umpiring crew Anthony had been scratched with Wilyer Abreu assuming both his position and lineup spot.
Anthony was scratched due to “mid-back tightness,” according to the Red Sox. NESN cameras caught Anthony looking uncomfortable during pregame warm-ups on the Fenway Park field. (UPDATE: Manager Alex Cora said Anthony is OK and, though unlikely to play Tuesday, won’t need an injured list stint.)
in 46 games since debuting, Anthony has hit .283 with two homers, 15 doubles, 19 RBIs and an .828 OPS. He has struggled a bit against left-handed pitching, posting a .263 average and a .684 OPS in 63 plate appearances.
Anthony started all three games against the Astros over the weekend, playing left field twice and right field once. He was 4-for-12 (.333) with a double and RBI in Boston’s three game sweep and had the walk-off single Friday night in extra innings.
Abreu had made just seven starts against left-handed pitchers before Monday. He’s hitting .191 with a .588 OPS in 53 plate appearances against lefties this year.
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