Red Sox activate Story, Anthony for pivotal series finale at Yankee Stadium
Boston is bringing back shortstop Trevor Story and outfielder Roman Anthony for Sunday's game against New York, both sidelined since May. Story underwent sports hernia surgery after an IL stint, while Anthony returns to bolster a scuffling offense. The Red Sox trail the Yankees by three games for the top wild-card spot and need a win to claim the season series.
Story's return comes after a lengthy recovery from sports hernia surgery performed in late May, following a 41-game stretch where he batted .206 with a .547 OPS while playing through discomfort. Anthony, sidelined by a torn finger ligament sustained on a check swing, posted stronger rehab numbers, going 7-for-25 with two home runs across eight minor-league appearances.
The roster additions will likely squeeze infielders Andruw Monasterio and Anthony Seigler, along with designated hitter Mickey Gasper, as Boston trims its bench before Sunday's contest. The Red Sox split Saturday's doubleheader, winning 6-0 before falling 9-2, leaving them three games behind New York in the wild-card race with the season series on the line.
This game carries meaningful weight for both franchises and their fan bases, as the outcome could shape postseason positioning and home-field advantage in a potential wild-card matchup. For Red Sox supporters, the returns of Story and Anthony may restore offensive stability during a critical stretch, while Yankees fans could see the game as a measuring stick against a division rival. The broader baseball audience may view this as a preview of October drama, potentially influencing playoff narratives and fan engagement heading into the final month of the season.