Red Sox manager Alex Cora explained why star outfielder Roman Anthony has seen three straight games as the team's designated hitter.
BOSTON -- For the third straight game, Boston Red Sox 21-year-old phenom Roman Anthony found himself at the designated hitter, rather than left field, where he played in four of the team's first five games. The Red Sox ended up losing again to the San Diego Padres, 8-6. Boston is now 2-7 through its first nine games.
Here's what we know about Anthony:
Why is Anthony being moved to DH?
Red Sox manager Alex Cora met with the media ahead of Saturday afternoon's 3-2 loss to the San Diego Padres, explaining what led him to decide to play Anthony at DH, in favor of Jarren Duran in left. "There are a few things that have to be better defensively, and the kid [Anthony] knows it," Cora said.
When asked what specifically he's seen from Anthony, the Sox manager cited his footwork and a throw in Houston where Carlos Correa should have been thrown out at the plate; instead, Anthony reached the plate after two hops, allowing Correa to score with ease.
As for when Anthony may find himself back in the lineup in left field? Cora left that much more up in the air, saying, "We'll play him out there whenever we feel like it, but there's stuff we have to improve as a group, and that's part of Roman's development."
The move to DH for Anthony comes just eight months after Cora said he "never" wants to see the 21-year-old in the designated hitter role.
Is Anthony's defense really this bad?
Short answer, no. According to Baseball Savant, Anthony, who played primarily right field, logged an Outs Above Average (OAA)of 6 in 2025, which, had he qualified, would have ranked him tied for 22nd among all major league outfielders. However, as far as arm strength goes, Anthony graded out with a slightly above league-average arm, ranking in the 52nd percentile, with a max throw velocity of 84.6 mph.
While the sample size is still too small to generate the data for arm strength in 2026, Anthony's lack of arm strength has stood out, to say the least. Beyond Cora's frustrations with the play in Houston, Anthony has also been unable to make throws against both Cincinnati in an extra-innings loss, as well as Saturday afternoon's loss to the Padres.
As for scouting reports on Anthony, MLB Pipeline graded him as having a 50 arm with 50 field on the 20-80 scale. SoxProspects.com had this to say about Anthony's defense: "Strong defensive instincts make up for only average foot speed. Takes efficient routes when moving laterally, but on occasion will be a step slow reading balls over his head. Has primarily played center field, but started playing corner outfield more often in July 2024. Profiles best in the corner outfield long-term, but could play center at least at the beginning of his major league career if needed. Potential above-average defensive profile in the corner and average in center field. Above-average arm strength. Not a stand-out arm, but plenty for any outfield spot."
Luckily for the Red Sox, there is a glut of outfielders, including Jarren Duran and Masataka Yoshida, to spell Anthony in left, while he figures out his defensive woes.
The Red Sox will welcome the Milwaukee Brewers to Fenway Park for a three-game series that gets underway on Monday evening. First pitch set for 6:45 p.m. ET.
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