Red Sox Bench Struggling Outfielder Roman Anthony

Manager gives young player two days off to reset after four-strikeout game

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:21pm

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The Boston Red Sox have benched outfielder Roman Anthony for Wednesday's game against the Houston Astros after he went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in the previous game. Manager Alex Cora is giving the struggling 24-year-old a two-day break, including Thursday's off day, to clear his head and reset before returning to the lineup.

Why it matters

Anthony has been a highly touted prospect for the Red Sox, but his early-season struggles at the plate have been a concern for the team as they look to compete in the AL East. Cora is hoping the brief rest will help Anthony regain his confidence and swing before he's reinserted into the everyday lineup.

The details

In his last three starts, Anthony has gone hitless with eight strikeouts in 12 at-bats. His four-strikeout performance in Tuesday's 9-2 loss to the Astros prompted Cora to hold him out of the lineup on Wednesday, effectively giving him two full days off with Thursday's scheduled off day.

  • On April 1, 2026, Anthony went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts against the Astros.
  • On April 2, 2026, Anthony is sitting out the game against the Astros.

The players

Roman Anthony

A 24-year-old outfielder for the Boston Red Sox who has been a highly touted prospect but is struggling at the plate early in the 2026 season.

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox who is giving Anthony a two-day break to try to help the young player reset and regain his confidence.

Houston Astros

The opposing team that the Red Sox are playing in the series where Anthony is being benched.

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What they’re saying

“With an off day looming Thursday, Red Sox manager Alex Cora will hold the struggling Anthony out of the lineup Wednesday to effectively give the young outfielder two full days to clear his head.”

— Christopher Smith, Reporter

What’s next

Anthony is expected to return to the Red Sox's starting lineup on Friday when they begin a series against the New York Yankees.

The takeaway

The Red Sox are taking a proactive approach to helping their young outfielder Roman Anthony work through his early-season struggles at the plate, giving him a brief mental break in the hopes that it will help him regain his confidence and swing before he's reinserted into the everyday lineup.