The Boston Red Sox are in a dangerous space when we look at the standings for the wild card. They are just a game ahead of the Guardians and the Astros, and with the form they are going on, it is not going to be easy if they make the postseason. Because if the standings remain as it is, the Boston Red Sox will be writing a new chapter in the rivalry with the Yankees. And the chances of that ending in the favor of the Red Sox are a big question mark, and the injury to Roman Anthony has a big part in it.

In the recent NESN interview, Nat Gordon joined to speak about the Red Sox. Gordon said, “26th in homers since Roman Anthony went down… If they had Roman Anthony in the lineup, I’d feel fine about the offense… The Yankees lineup can hit the ball out of the ballpark in a way that the Red Sox lineup just has not done, especially since Roman Anthony went down… We do need to see more out of this lineup.”

The 2025 season has unfolded as a dramatic tale of two teams on divergent paths. The New York Yankees have struggled against the Boston Red Sox, posting a 4-9 record in head-to-head matchups. However, recent performances suggest a shift in momentum. In their latest game, the Yankees secured a 7-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles, highlighted by Ben Rice’s grand slam in the 10th inning. This win keeps them just two games behind the AL East-leading Toronto Blue Jays, with six games remaining in the regular season.

Conversely, the Boston Red Sox have faced challenges, particularly after the injury to rookie sensation Roman Anthony. Since his oblique strain, the team has gone 5-8, averaging fewer than three runs per game in six of those contests. Anthony’s absence has left a significant void in the lineup, impacting both offensive production and team morale. Despite this, the Red Sox remain in contention, holding a slim lead over the Cleveland Guardians and Houston Astros for the second Wild Card spot.

As the season enters its final stretch, both teams face critical challenges. The New York Yankees aim to capitalize on their recent form and close the gap in the division, while the Red Sox must find a way to overcome Anthony’s absence and secure their playoff berth. With the postseason on the line, every game becomes a pivotal moment in this high-stakes rivalry. The next six games will define whether Boston finishes strong or lets a prime opportunity slip away, keeping fans on the edge.

If the Red Sox want to avoid handing the Yankees another chapter of dominance, Roman Anthony’s return can’t come a moment too late. Boston’s offense has been a cautionary tale in patience, strikeouts, and missed opportunities, while New York prowls with the confidence of a team that knows how to punish lapses. The final six games aren’t just about points—they’re a test of grit, strategy, and who truly wants October more. In the Bronx or back at Fenway, the Red Sox must scramble, adapt, and hope that a healthy Anthony can flip the script. Otherwise, the Yankees will write the season’s final punchline, and Boston will be left editing footnotes.

With Anthony injured, the Red Sox have another player who needs to step up

Alex Bregman’s recent struggles at the plate have left Boston fans wincing over the past several weeks. Over his last 21 games since August 25, he has slashed a miserable .151/.215/.221, with just one home run and six RBIs. His plate discipline has faltered, drawing only five walks compared to 39 in his first 85 games, showing a clear deviation from his usual patient approach. Manager Alex Cora highlighted Bregman’s tendency to chase pitches on the edges, abandoning the zones where he traditionally inflicts damage. With Roman Anthony sidelined by an oblique strain, opposing pitchers have cleverly exploited this vulnerability, leaving the Red Sox offense sputtering in crucial moments.

As the season nears its final stretch, the urgency to regain form has never been clearer for Bregman and Boston. Before this slump, Bregman batted a strong .305, producing consistent power and on-base value that stabilized the lineup. The timing is perfect for him to showcase his experience, discipline, and resilience, especially with playoff hopes hanging in the balance. Cora’s emphasis on staying patient in the strike zone reflects a blueprint Bregman can still follow to turn games in Boston’s favor. If he reclaims his sweet spot at the plate, the Red Sox can rally behind his veteran leadership and restore offensive confidence before October arrives.

If Alex Bregman can shake off the slump and find his timing, Boston’s offense could finally stop looking like a cautionary tale. The Red Sox need more than luck; they need Bregman’s veteran savvy to turn the lineup from sputtering to threatening. Fans have endured the drama, the frustration, and the near-humiliation of wasted at-bats, but October waits for no one. With Roman Anthony sidelined, every swing from Bregman isn’t just a hit—it’s a statement, a reminder that talent doesn’t retire during adversity. Boston’s fate might just hinge on whether Bregman remembers how to punish pitchers or continues handing them free lessons.