Red Sox's Roman Anthony Takes Major Step Toward Return

Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony

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The Boston Red Sox placed Roman Anthony on the injured list on May 7, retroactive to May 5, with a right wrist sprain.

Anthony's hand/wrist injury is not the only reason the Red Sox's offense has struggled as of late, but it is certainly not helping. Anthony has not hit his stride yet and has underperformed. However, he is so talented that he could get on a roll at any given moment, but he needs to be healthy. According to The Boston Globe's Tim Healey, he has taken a major step toward his return.

"Roman Anthony is not wearing a brace on his sprained right hand/wrist," wrote Healey. "He also played catch today for the first time. So, tangible progress, albeit with no hitting stuff yet."

Anthony has ditched the brace and played catch. Both are positive developments for the young superstar. However, that was not the only positive development.

"More positive developments on Roman Anthony, per Chad Tracy: He could start a hitting progression this weekend, and a cortisone shot several days ago has helped," wrote Healey.

The Red Sox are sitting at 18-25 entering play on Friday. The team is not playing great, but they have time to turn things around. They are only three games back of a wild-card spot right now, and getting Anthony back could kickstart a turnaround under Tracy.