Red Sox rookie Roman Anthony exited the game against the Guardians due to a left oblique strain.

Roman Anthony, having moved beyond being MLB's top rookie this season, has established himself as a key player for the Red Sox. During today's matchup with the Guardians, he left the game after striking out in the fourth inning because of a left oblique muscle strain.

After what looked like an overly forceful swing, Anthony quickly grabbed the lower left back area, with that swing producing the inning’s second out.

With Wilyer Abreu sidelined longer than expected on the 10-day injured list due to a right calf strain, the Red Sox are facing a shortage of outfielders.

In fact, Anthony has been filling in for Abreu in right field. The left-handed hitter Abreu was placed on the injured list on August 21, retroactive to August 18. Prior to today’s game, Abreu had not yet been cleared for any running activities.

Since Anthony’s arrival, the Red Sox have gained momentum and entered today’s game just 2.5 games behind the Blue Jays in the AL East.

The 21-year-old Anthony, called up to the majors on June 9, has played in 71 games with a slash line of .292/.396/.463, including 18 doubles, 8 home runs, and 32 RBIs.