Red Sox Rookie Roman Anthony Makes Notable Clubhouse Change

Roman Anthony continues to undergo considerable change this week.

After he hit a 497-foot grand slam over the weekend, the Boston Red Sox promoted Anthony on Monday. One day after his highly anticipated debut, the top-ranked prospect changed his uniform from No. 48 to No. 19.

Anthony will now prepare for his first encounters with the New York Yankees. Ahead of the three-game series, the Red Sox made a notable shift in their clubhouse.

Rob Bradford of Audacy Sports noted before Friday’s game that the Red Sox moved Anthony’s locker. The newcomer is now positioned between Alex Bregman and Jarren Duran.

Anthony initially received a “portable locker” now occupied by relief pitcher Jorge Alcala, whom the Red Sox acquired Wednesday night.

The new seating chart is likely no mere coincidence. Anthony gets an opportunity to learn from two All-Star position players.

“Not a bad spot, right?” Anthony said, via the Boston Globe’s Tim Healey.

However, that’s far from Friday’s only significant development. Red Sox manager Alex Cora has platooned fellow left-handed rookie Marcelo Mayer, but Anthony is starting and batting fifth against Yankees southpaw Ryan Yarbrough.

Bradford suggested the locker and starting nod are “strong signs” Anthony will stay with the big-league club when Wilyer Abreu returns from an oblique injury. MassLive’s Christopher Smith reported that the incumbent right fielder could be ready to come off the injured list once he’s eligible for next weekend’s series against the San Francisco Giants.

A healthy Abreu would give Cora some complicated roster dilemmas. If not Anthony, someone could be squeezed out of playing time.

For now, Anthony is receiving opportunities to make an immediate impact in Boston.