Roman Anthony was expected to be excellent after strong early signs, but placing him in the leadoff role without adequate support was viewed as irresponsible. Alex Bregman’s absence left Anthony carrying too much offensive responsibility at age 21, with few other capable hitters behind him. His 2026 production has been limited, including one home run and five RBIs, followed by a wrist injury absence. The Red Sox have improved largely due to strong pitching from rotation members other than Bello and a defense that leads the majors in defensive runs saved. Despite a 21–27 record, they remained close to a wild-card spot, creating hope despite persistent lineup flaws.
"“But it was not responsible to put Anthony in the leadoff spot without much support behind him. He missed the professional and patient Alex Bregman behind him, and at 21 years old, he took on the weight of having to be the Red Sox' best hitter, because there were very few others on the lineup card with the capability.”"
"“His season has been a lost one - one homer, five RBIs, and now an absence because of a wrist injury - and it all makes me question again whether the Red Sox know how to best prepare their most promising young players. I have no doubt he will be great, presuming good health. But the Red Sox, with their poor lineup construction, required him to be great a little too soon.”"
"“The Red Sox are playing better, largely because of superb pitching from the non-Bello members of the rotation and a defense that, per The Fielding Bible, far and away leads the majors in defensive runs saved (46, 14 more than the Dodgers at No. 2).”"
"“And they were just 2½ games out of a wild-card spot as of Wednesday afternoon despite their lousy 21-27 record. There is hope, or whatever you call it when your team still has a chance despite having some potentially insurmountable and incredibly annoying flaws.”"
Read at Boston.com
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