Overview
- The Red Sox confirmed that Anthony began swinging a real bat again Thursday with about 30 swings using tee work and short soft flips.
- Anthony has been out since sustaining a partially torn ligament in his right ring finger on May 4 and an initial comeback attempt in late May caused significant pain.
- The club moved his rehab to the Fort Myers spring-training complex in early July and has been following a cautious, pain‑guided plan since then.
- Boston hopes Anthony can return this season but the organization has no firm timeline and will only expand his work if he remains pain free.
- Anthony has played just 30 games this year with a .229/.354/.321 line, and a healthy, incremental return could affect the Red Sox’s late‑season depth and postseason options.