Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora has confirmed that 21-year-old outfielder Roman Anthony will lead off when the team opens its season in Cincinnati on March 26. Anthony, who showed promise in his rookie year, is expected to set the tone for the team. The decision comes after Anthony's strong performance in the leadoff spot during the end of last season.
In Fort Myers, Florida, during spring training, Red Sox manager Alex Cora announced that Roman Anthony will bat leadoff for the team's season opener against the Cincinnati Reds on March 26. The 21-year-old left-handed outfielder emerged as a key prospect last year, finishing his rookie season with eight home runs in 257 at-bats. He primarily hit leadoff in his final 27 games before an oblique injury sidelined him on September 2.
Cora made the decision official on Saturday, following the Red Sox's 7-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins in their Grapefruit League opener, where Anthony led off. "It’s great," Anthony said. "I felt really comfortable in the leadoff spot last year but ultimately, I just want to do anything to help the team win, and if that's what [Cora] feels like gives us the best chance, then I'm all in."
Explaining the choice over players like Jarren Duran, Cora pointed to successful power hitters in the role. "George Springer, Mookie Betts. They’ve done it before [as power hitters leading off], setting the tempo. Kyle Schwarber, too. It can be 1-0 very quick or it’s a quality at-bat," Cora said.
Anthony expressed enthusiasm for the responsibility. "It’s something for me that I take with a lot of pride, getting the boys going and trying to get on base," he noted. "That first run is huge... So I'm looking forward to it."
When Anthony shifted to the leadoff position after his call-up, he posted a .336/.439/.564 batting line with six homers and 17 RBIs in 132 plate appearances. Prior to his major league debut, he hit a 497-foot grand slam for Triple-A Worcester. The rest of the lineup remains fluid, though Cora indicated that new addition Willson Contreras will bat cleanup.
In other notes, outfielder Masataka Yoshida will join Team Japan for the World Baseball Classic after Sunday's workout, potentially missing time until mid-March. Cora supports this, saying, "Go defend your ... WBC title." The team also succeeded in their first ABS challenge of the spring, with Contreras overturning a strike call.
