Red Sox superstar rookie Anthony has been placed on the injured list due to an oblique strain, with his return date still uncertain.

Roman Anthony, in his rookie season, has evolved from MLB’s top rookie to a key player for the Red Sox. He suffered a left oblique strain, making his participation in the rest of the regular season uncertain.

This 21-year-old was placed on the 10-day injured list before today’s game, which ended in a 1-8 defeat to the Guardians. Utility infielder/outfielder Nick Sogard was called up to replace him on the roster.

Anthony underwent an MRI this morning and told reporters that he believes he has sustained a grade two strain.

Although the Red Sox have not provided a precise timetable for Anthony’s return, manager Alex Cora mentioned that this type of injury typically requires four to six weeks for recovery.

“Everyone heals differently, so I’m going to give it my all every day to get back on the field as soon as possible, but right now it’s uncertain,” Anthony said.

Based on the four-to-six-week timeline, the best-case scenario is that Anthony could return during the playoffs.

Of course, the longer the Red Sox remain in the season, the more time Anthony will have to heal and get back on the field. As of Thursday, Boston holds a 78-62 record, trailing the Blue Jays by 2.5 games in the AL East and tied with the Yankees for the first wild card spot.

By securing one of the top two seeds in the American League, the Red Sox can skip the wild card round and start the Division Series on October 4. The AL Championship Series begins on October 12, with the World Series scheduled to start on October 24.

“I told him to imagine stepping up for his first at-bat in the ALCS. That’s exactly what I said,” Cora said. “Just keep that goal in mind and hope it happens.”

Despite frustration over the injury, especially given its timing, Anthony is committed to dedicating himself fully to rehabilitation to return as soon as possible.

“Yes, that’s the plan. I think everyone here shares the same mindset. As a team, we believe we are a World Series-caliber squad, and that belief runs deep in this clubhouse,” Anthony said. “We will keep believing that no matter who we have or lose. I will continue supporting my teammates, doing my best to be a great teammate, and hope to return soon to help the team win the World Series.”

Anthony first felt discomfort in his oblique during a controlled swing in the fourth inning of Wednesday’s 11-7 victory over the Guardians. After a full swing on the next pitch, he struck out and immediately clutched his left side.

Oblique injuries can be tricky, especially if a player attempts to come back too soon. The Red Sox will take this into account and provide support during Anthony’s recovery.

“We have to take care of the player; the team comes second,” Cora said. “The most important thing is to get him healthy first. If he’s ready, he can come back; if not, we have to keep moving forward.”

With Wilyer Abreu spending more time than expected on the 10-day injured list due to a right calf strain, Boston is already short-handed in the outfield.

“He felt some progress this weekend after treatment and obviously avoided running,” Cora said. “So we’ll see. We have to wait. I don’t know when we’ll try (running), but hopefully soon. We don’t want to rush him, especially now. These two injuries are separate. We don’t want to push Willy because Roman got hurt. We have to be patient because he’s important too. So whenever he’s ready, he’ll come back.”

During Anthony’s absence, Jarren Duran will return to the leadoff spot against right-handed pitchers. Since Anthony moved to leadoff in late July, Duran has mostly batted third against righties. Against left-handed pitchers, Cora plans to use a mixed approach. Right-handed hitter Nate Eaton batted first on Wednesday.

With Anthony sidelined indefinitely, the Red Sox will rely more heavily on veterans like third baseman Alex Bregman and shortstop Trevor Story for offensive production.

“Obviously, losing one of the best players in the world is a tough blow, but we have to stay focused on the next pitch, keep fighting, and hope he returns sometime during the playoffs or whenever, maybe at the end of the regular season,” Bregman said.

Since being called up to the majors on June 9, Anthony has played in 71 games, posting a slash line of .292/.396/.463, with 18 doubles, 8 home runs, and 32 RBIs.