Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony out indefinitely with rare hand ligament injury

Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony has missed more than seven weeks of action after sustaining a partially torn ligament in the CMC joint of his right ring finger during a swing on May 4, 2026. The injury, described by team physician Dr. Mark Cohen as a rare isolated ring‑finger CMC ligament tear, has shown little progress despite attempts at light‑bat swings, prompting manager Chad Tracy to state that Anthony "hasn't made any substantive progress" and is unlikely to return soon. He has now missed 43 consecutive games, remaining on the injured list since May 7.

Medical experts note that typical ligament healing takes 8–12 weeks, suggesting Anthony could be sidelined until at least August. The prolonged absence comes as the Red Sox struggle, holding a 32‑46 record and trailing in the AL East, with the team seeking ways to improve performance without adding another outfielder.