The Boston Red Sox’s playoff push has been ignited by an unlikely hero this season. Rookie sensation Roman Anthony has transformed into the engine driving Boston’s offense from the leadoff spot, becoming as close to indispensable as any position player on the roster with his exceptional on-base capability and game-changing presence atop the lineup.

But the Red Sox’s momentum faces a significant challenge as they navigate the final stretch of the season. Currently sitting at 78-63 and occupying a third place in the American League East, Boston finds itself 3.5 games behind the division-leading Toronto Blue Jays with precious few games remaining. The team’s carefully constructed playoff blueprint now hangs in the balance, with critical decisions looming that could determine whether Boston’s October dreams become reality or fade into another disappointing finish.

The devastating blow has finally been revealed—Roman Anthony suffered an oblique strain that threatens to derail Boston’s entire postseason run. The promising outfielder’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time, occurring exactly four weeks before the potential wildcard round and creating a timeline nightmare for the organization. Manager Alex Cora’s conversation with Anthony after Wednesday’s diagnosis revealed the harsh reality, as the skipper told his young star to envision taking his first at-bat in the ALCS.

That sobering projection means Anthony will likely miss the final 21 regular-season games and potentially the first two playoff rounds, with his earliest return at the ALCS beginning October 12—a full five and a half weeks after the injury occurred. While no single player is irreplaceable, Anthony’s contributions since his promotion to the big leagues have made him as close to indispensable as any position player on the roster. His absence eliminates Boston’s primary catalyst, leaving them without anyone capable of matching his on-base ability or lineup ignition.

Boston insider Sean McAdam delivered an equally alarming postseason warning about the team’s pitching depth. Beyond their three reliable starters—Garrett Crochet, Lucas Giolito, and Brayan Bello—the Red Sox face serious rotation concerns. Rookie Payton Tolle hasn’t made a start on regular rest all season, while Dustin May serves as the reluctant fifth starter after recent bullpen exile. With depth options like Richard Fitts, Cooper Criswell, and Kyle Harrison sidelined, Boston must navigate crucial stretches using bullpen games or spot starters.

Despite the mounting challenges, manager Alex Cora remains focused on the team’s proven strengths. The Red Sox believe that one of the remedies for these injuries lies in their pitching foundation. “We have to keep pitching and playing good defense,” Cora explained, acknowledging Anthony’s role while emphasizing the season-long formula. “The pitching has been the key this season, and we expect to keep pitching, and other guys have to step up offensively.”

However, the Red Sox organization might have an unexpected solution brewing in their minor league system. Sometimes, the most overlooked players become the biggest difference makers when teams need them most.

Shane Drohan Emerges as Red Sox Solution

While the Boston Red Sox scramble for pitching solutions, one name emerges from their farm system as a potential lifeline. Shane Drohan represents everything Boston needs right now—a battle-tested lefty who refuses to surrender despite facing injury after injury over the past two seasons.

The 26-year-old southpaw has endured a medical nightmare that would break most players. Nerve decompression surgery, shoulder inflammation, and persistent forearm tightness throughout 2025 have tested his resolve repeatedly. Yet Drohan continues attacking hitters with the same devastating arsenal that made Boston believe in him from day one.

His Triple-A Worcester statistics paint the picture of a pitcher ready for the big leagues. Through nine appearances, Drohan has compiled a brilliant 2.38 ERA while striking out 51 batters across 40-plus innings. This strikeout numbers demand attention—he’s averaging 13.5 per nine innings while holding opponents to just 5.8 hits per game. “We have to keep pitching,” Cora said about the team’s approach, and Drohan embodies exactly that mentality.

The journey back hasn’t been straightforward. After dominating Double-A Portland in 2023 with a microscopic 1.32 ERA, Boston left him exposed in the Rule 5 Draft, where Chicago claimed him. Injuries derailed that opportunity, but now he’s returned home showing the electric stuff that originally caught scouts’ attention. If another rotation spot opens, Drohan could finally get his long-awaited debut.