The Boston Red Sox are riding high after sweeping the Detroit Tigers for their first series clean sweep of the 2026 season. But as they return to Fenway Park for a seven-game homestand, they'll have to do it without one of their most exciting young stars.

Outfielder Roman Anthony has been placed on the injured list with a right wrist sprain, an injury he suffered during Monday night's game against the Tigers. The 21-year-old phenom fouled off a pitch in the first inning and immediately flexed his right hand in pain. After taking the field for the bottom of the inning, he was pulled from the game and sent back to Boston for evaluation. Initially, interim manager Chad Tracy believed Anthony wouldn't need an IL stint, but after playing shorthanded for two games, the team decided it was time to bring in reinforcements. Utilityman Mickey Gasper has been recalled from Triple-A Worcester to fill the roster spot.

Anthony's absence opens the door for someone in Boston's crowded outfield to seize the moment. And all eyes are on Masataka Yoshida.

The 32-year-old outfielder/designated hitter has seen his playing time shrink significantly under Tracy, mostly relegated to bench duty in the last 10 games. But when he's gotten the chance, Yoshida has made the most of it—batting .500 in 12 at-bats since the managerial change, including a two-hit performance in the series finale against Detroit. He's back in the starting lineup Thursday night, batting fifth as the designated hitter.

For a team with championship aspirations, the next few weeks will test Boston's depth. But if Yoshida can carry his hot bat into regular action, the Red Sox might just have found their next spark plug.