Red Sox’s Alex Cora ‘Never’ Wants Roman Anthony To Play This Role Again

The Boston Red Sox lineup has a lot of moving parts, but manager Alex Cora firmly clarified his preference for how to utilize Roman Anthony.

Anthony has made 12 starts as Boston’s designated hitter since joining the majors in June. Cora doesn’t want that number to climb over the final two months.

Cora told reporters before Friday’s game, per WEEI’s Tom Carroll, that he doesn’t plan for Anthony to DH anymore.

“I don’t like the kid to be a DH. Never, hopefully, while I’m managing,” Cora said. “It’s a good time for him to play the outfield. Whenever we have a chance for him to play the outfield, we’ll do it.”

Anthony joined a crowded outfield also featuring Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu. Masataka Yoshida also started at left field on Sunday, but a position change could clear the logjam.

Rafaela is making his second straight start at second base on Friday. Cora previously said he only wanted the center fielder to play the infield sparingly, but he acknowledged that the 24-year-old will “most likely” see more reps at second after the Red Sox placed Marcelo Mayer on the injured list.

That leaves Yoshida as the DH against right-handed pitchers with Anthony, Duran and Abreu in the outfield.

“We can play Roman in the outfield, and we’ll maximize the roster,” Cora said.

Anthony is making a significant impact at the plate, notching a .369 OBP in 149 plate appearances. The 21-year-old has reached base in 15 of his last 16 games.

The rookie has also validated Cora’s desire to shield him from DH duties. Anthony has a plus-6 defensive runs saved, already tying Duran in 65 fewer games.

Anthony is playing left field and batting third for Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, which starts at 7:10 p.m. ET.