August 25, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Minor Notes: Anthony takes rehab to Worcester; Phillips heads to IL
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Anthony's rehab shifts to Worcester
Working his way back from a partially torn tendon in his right hand/wrist sustained in early May, Roman Anthony (pictured, left) is joining Worcester from Portland this week to continue his rehab assignment. The 22-year-old outfielder appeared in four games for the Sea Dogs last week, going 3 for 11 (.273) with one double, one home run, three RBI, one run scored, two walks, and four strikeouts. He made two starts in left field and two starts at DH.
Anthony will not be the only big-league rehabber in Worcester this week. He will be joined by veteran infielders Trevor Story (sports hernia surgery) and Isiah Kiner-Falefa (left forearm inflammation). All three will be in the starting lineup when the WooSox open a six-game series against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre at Polar Park on Tuesday night.
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Phillips sidelined
Marcus Phillips, the organization's No. 11 prospect, was placed on Greenville's 7-day injured list with right elbow inflammation on August 20. This comes after the 22-year-old right-hander left his August 18 start in the third inning with a trainer after throwing a pitch. Beyond the initial diagnosis, the severity of the injury is not yet known.
Phillips, the 33rd overall pick in last summer's draft out of Tennessee, is likely ending a difficult first full season in pro ball on an even more sour note. The 6-foot-4, 246-pound righty struggled in 19 outings (18 starts) for the Drive, posting a 6.71 ERA with 73 strikeouts to 51 walks over 61 2/3 innings. Opposing hitters batted .260 against him.
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Other transactions
Jason Delay was placed on Worcester's 7-day injured list with low back inflammation on August 22. Eduardo Rivera was activated from the restricted list on August 21, but remains on Worcester's 7-day injured list with low back inflammation.
In addition to right-hander Austin Ehrlicher, the Red Sox released 11 Dominican Summer League players on August 19: Angel Lopez, Krishan Ulacio, Jainer Almanza, Sebastian Rondon, Hicter Ruiz, Isael Fis, Andruw Zambrano, Eliezer Alfonzo, Stiven De La Cruz, Adrian Valdez, and Dani Richar.
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Playoffs?
Heading into play this week, all four full-season affiliates remain in the mix for playoff spots in their respective leagues. With a second-half record of 27-23, Worcester trails Indianapolis (31-20) by 3 1/2 games for first place in the International League standings. Portland is 25-26 in the second half and trails Reading (29-21) by 4 1/2 games for first place in the Eastern League Northeast standings. Greenville is 26-28 in the second half and trails Winston-Salem (28-25) by 2 1/2 games for a spot in the South Atlantic League playoffs. Salem is 27-26 and trails Fayetteville (32-20) by 5 1/2 games for first place in the Carolina League North standings.
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Players of the Week for August 17-23
4 G, 15 AB, 7 H, 6 R, 2 2B, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 4 BB, .467/.550/.800
Salazar continues to slip under the radar despite putting together an impressive season for Salem. The 20-year-old catcher is batting .283/.395/.472 with 23 doubles, one triple, a career-high 11 home runs, a career-high 62 RBI, 53 runs scored, five stolen bases, 56 walks, and 58 strikeouts in 86 games (375 plate appearances) for the RidgeYaks. From behind the plate, he has thrown out 28 of 131 would-be base stealers.
Ethan Walker, LHP, Salem RidgeYaks
1 G, 1 SV, 4.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K, .000 OBA
Walker (pictured, right) picked up his second save in as many opportunities for Salem with four scoreless, no-hit frames last Wednesday. Since returning from the injured list in early July, the 22-year-old lefty has posted a 2.61 ERA with 24 strikeouts to 12 walks over his last seven outings (two starts) and 20 2/3 innings for the RidgeYaks. He was Boston's 12th-round pick in last summer's draft out of Kentucky.
Photo Credit: Roman Anthony and Ethan Walker by Kelly O'Connor