Former Nine-Year Red Sox Veteran Hurler Defends Medical Staff originally appeared on NESN.
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The escalation of Roman Anthony’s wrist injury this season has unfortunately led the Boston Red Sox‘s medical staff to public criticism.
The Red Sox have missed Anthony, who has been absent for nearly two months at this point on the injured list. The 22-year-old infielder went down in early May after an awkward check swing, with what was initially thought to be a right wrist sprain, one that Boston had hoped would be minor.
The Red Sox were not even sure whether Anthony’s injury would require a stint on the injured list, yet it’s been nearly two months, and the young outfielder still has no timetable for his return. What has sparked criticism of Boston’s medical staff is the fact that Anthony later revealed that he was dealing with a partially torn ligament in his right ring finger.
As Boston’s medical staff deals with criticism regarding Anthony’s injury, former nine-year Red Sox veteran Matt Barnes has taken to social media in defense of the team’s medical staff.
“I can promise you the entire medical team for the Red Sox is nothing short of elite,” Barnes shared in a post to X on Wednesday. “Save it for somewhere else.”
I can promise you the entire medical team for the Red Sox is nothing short of elite. Save it for somewhere else
— Matt Barnes (@mattbarnesRHP) June 24, 2026
Barnes spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Red Sox, posting a 4.07 ERA across 429 appearances spanning from 2014 to 2022 and was a part of the team’s 2018 World Series win.
Anthony’s injury is rare. Though there was confusion about its severity, as Barnes noted, the Red Sox’s medical team is elite. The sooner that Boston can get the young outfielder back, the better, especially as the team’s struggles continue.
