Boston Red Sox top prospect Roman Anthony has addressed the public speculation surrounding his extended absence from the team, stating that he has largely tuned out "a lot of noise" while recovering from a partially torn ligament in his ring finger.

Anthony has been sidelined since May 4, a period during which the Red Sox have experienced a significant turnaround, shifting from a sub-.500 record to becoming one of baseball's top teams. The team's impressive 41-13 record since June 24 has overshadowed Anthony's nearly four-month absence.

"A lot of people have opinions of me or what I do, or my injury or whatever it may be," Anthony told MassLive on Tuesday during his rehab assignment with Double-A Worcester. "Everyone has a phone. Everyone has access to say what they want to say, whether it's true or not. So I stay away from all of it. My ultimate goal was to get out here and to play baseball."

Anthony's injury was initially reported as a wrist issue before being clarified as a finger ailment, involving multiple specialists and MRI examinations. He detailed the challenges of his rehabilitation process, including various setbacks. "I did everything I could," Anthony said. "I thought I made that clear. I took all the shots (injections) I could, as soon as I could. I tried to do everything to get back on the field. Unfortunately, maybe we pushed too hard. Every time I tried to do that, it may have set me back a little bit."

He noted that three outside doctors had initially indicated a three-month recovery period for his injury. "After it all, it took right about that much," he added. Anthony had not been a significant offensive contributor before his injury, batting .229 with one home run in 30 games. This followed a strong rookie season in 2025 where he hit .292 with eight home runs.

Anthony, who signed an eight-year, $130 million contract last August, was previously ranked as baseball's No. 1 prospect in 2024 and 2025. He is expected to be activated from the 60-day injured list soon, potentially this week, and is anticipated to return to the leadoff spot in the Red Sox lineup. "I don't have anything to say to anyone or anything to prove to anyone," Anthony stated. "For me, I'm just excited to get back and play baseball with the guys. People are going to talk regardless — good or bad."

The Red Sox have also been managing without pitcher Garrett Crochet, who is slated to return in a bullpen role later this season.