Alex Bregman Feels Huge Void in Red Sox After 21-Year-Old Phenom’s Exit as Team Hit With Worst Postseason Claim

The Red Sox have suffered a major setback at the worst possible time — their postseason push now dimmed by the loss of 21-year-old phenom Roman Anthony. Placed on the 10-day injured list with a left oblique strain, he faces a 4–6 week absence, according to manager Alex Cora on WEEI. That leaves a blazing hole in both the lineup and clubhouse chemistry — a void that even Alex Bregman acknowledges will be hard to fill.

For Bregman, Anthony was not just another bat; he was the perfect companion. The young slugger’s capability to set the table at the top of the order allowed Bregman to thrive, creating a dynamic one-two punch that gave pitchers nightmares. “Roman Anthony and I had a rhythm. He protected me in the lineup, and having two really good batters back to back just made both of us more successful,” Bregman told reporters. With Anthony sidelined, Bregman must now shoulder more responsibility, but he hold the key is not to overcompensate. “Obviously, losing Roman [Anthony] today is a gut punch. One of the best players in all of baseball. But we gotta continue to push along. Nobody needs to try to do more than they’re capable of. They just need to try to execute their game plan the same way,” Bregman told reporters.

The breaking news came during Boston’s 11-7 win over the Cleveland Guardians, where the outcome was overshadowed by Anthony’s exit. The injury lands at a pivotal moment, as the Red Sox are battling to stay ahead in a tight AL wild-card race. Without their young player, the way ahead becomes far less certain.

NESN’s Travis Thomas captured the severity of the situation bluntly: “Roman Anthony and Alex Bregman having more success because he protected Roman Anthony. Roman Anthony protected him when you have two really good batters back to back.” Thomas added, “This wild card race behind them and the Yankees and the Mariners are tighter than anything… it is possible they don’t make the postseason. I happen to agree with George [Balekji] that they get in, but this injury is enough where they’re not going to be the top dog in terms of the wild card, which does matter when it comes to home field for that first matchup.” His co-host, George Balekji, voiced the concern but also pointed to Bregman’s presence as a stabilizing factor, saying the veteran champion and leader gives Boston a chance to endure the loss.

Finally, the postseason verdict rests on how the Red Sox adapt. Balekji pointed out that Anthony’s absence can not truly be replaced: “You’re not going to replace a Roman Anthony bat. Even when Will Reu is back, you’re not going to replace a Roman Anthony bat. You’re going to hope to supplement it in some way.” With Bregman, Trevor Story and Jarren Duran predicted to step up, Boston’s depth will be tested. Still, as Thomas reminded, even if the Red Sox stumble into the postseason as a lower wild-card seed, they remain a dangerous franchise nobody in the American League wants to confront.

While Bregman stressed not trying to do too much, the Red Sox know replacing Anthony’s production would not fall on one player alone. Depth will be tested, and several names will now be thrust into bigger roles.

Three Red Sox stars under pressure to replace Anthony’s firepower

Nate Eaton may not carry Roman Anthony’s star power, but his versatility makes him a vital add-on. Called up earlier this season, Eaton has quietly held his own with a .279 average and steady on-base skills. With the Red Sox likely assigning him near the top of the order, the Sox required more than just speed; they will need timely power from the 27-year-old utility man.

Veteran Rob Refsnyder is also positioned for an expanded role after years of being a part-time contributor. Slashing .280/.360/.487 in limited action, the 34-year-old now faces his biggest opportunity in the Red Sox. If he maintains his on-base skills while adding some power, he could be the stabilizing bat that bolsters Anthony’s absence.

Then there is Nathaniel Lowe, the under-the-radar waiver claim who is quickly becoming a fan favorite. With a .324 average and eight RBIs in just 13 games, Lowe’s fire has shot up life into the lineup. If his hot streak proves sustainable, Boston might have found an unexpected difference-maker to keep their postseason hopes alive.

Supporters fret about Boston’s depth and Anthony’s on-base magic. Meanwhile, analytics projections suggest his loss may equate to 1–2 extra losses — survivable, but enough to jeopardize home-field advantage in the Wild-Card round, especially given Boston’s stark home-away split (44–27 at Fenway vs. 34–35 on the road).

The Red Sox may have lost Roman Anthony at the worst possible time, but the way forward is clear: Eaton, Refsnyder, and Lowe must shoulder the pressure. With October looming, Boston’s depth will be tested. Fans will be watching closely to see who rises to the occasion.