Red Sox's Alex Cora Comments On Roman Anthony's Defense Amid Shaky Start

The Boston Red Sox have five very talented outfielders, capable of playing every day, but some are better defenders than others.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 1:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Red Sox manager Alex Cora has commented on outfielder Roman Anthony's defensive struggles, noting that the team prefers Jarren Duran's defense in left field at this point. Cora said Anthony's footwork has been "off" in left field and that the team needs to improve defensively as a group. Anthony will continue to work on his defense, but Duran could see more playing time in left field.

Why it matters

The Red Sox have a talented group of outfielders, but defense is a key factor in determining playing time. Cora's comments suggest the team is prioritizing defense, which could impact Anthony's role and playing time as he works to improve his skills.

The details

Roman Anthony has started the last two games as a designated hitter, after getting four starts in left field on the opening road trip. Jarren Duran has been playing in left field, and Cora noted that it is because the Red Sox prefer Duran's defense to Anthony's at this point. Cora said Anthony's footwork has been "off" in left field and that the team needs to improve defensively as a group. Anthony is still going to be an everyday player, but his throwing arm has also been a topic of concern, with him being charged with an error on a throw in the ninth inning of a recent game.

  • On the opening road trip, Anthony started four games in left field.
  • In the last two games, Anthony has started as the designated hitter.

The players

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox.

Roman Anthony

An outfielder for the Boston Red Sox who has struggled defensively in left field.

Jarren Duran

An outfielder for the Boston Red Sox who has been playing in left field due to his superior defensive skills compared to Anthony.

Carlos Correa

A player for the opposing team, the San Diego Padres, who was on base when Anthony made a throwing error.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There's a few things we have to be better (with) defensively, and the kid (Anthony) knows it. The other day, there was a play where (Carlos) Correa was at second and there was a base hit to left and we have to throw him out. He knows it. We have to improve. It's not only him. It's everybody.”

— Alex Cora, Manager, Boston Red Sox

“Jarren plays the wall really, really well here. We'll play him whenever we feel like it out there. There's stuff we have to improve as a group and that's part of Roman's development.”

— Alex Cora, Manager, Boston Red Sox

What’s next

The Red Sox will continue to monitor Anthony's defensive development and make lineup decisions accordingly. Cora indicated that Duran could see more playing time in left field if Anthony's defense does not improve.

The takeaway

The Red Sox's outfield depth is a strength, but Cora is prioritizing defense in determining playing time. Anthony will need to improve his footwork and throwing accuracy in left field to maintain his everyday role, as the team has a capable defensive alternative in Duran.