Overview
- Anthony has not swung a bat since suffering an awkward check swing on May 4 that led to a partial tear of the carpometacarpal (CMC) ligament in his right ring finger.
- A six-week follow-up MRI reported on Tuesday returned without new structural findings, which doctors and the team described as a positive step but not a trigger to resume hitting immediately.
- The Red Sox and medical staff say progress will be governed by daily symptom checks and staged hitting tests after prior setbacks, including renewed pain after early tee work and a mid-May cortisone shot.
- Anthony’s eight-year, $130 million deal is fully guaranteed, with roughly $128.5 million remaining on the contract, a commitment that limits Boston’s short-term roster and payroll flexibility while he remains out.
- Experts call the isolated ring-finger CMC ligament tear highly unusual, which increases medical uncertainty for prognosis and extends the team's cautious, day-by-day approach to his return to play.