Roman Anthony's Wrist Is the Most Important Injury in Fantasy Baseball Right Now

Fantasy managers hoping to get Roman Anthony back out on the field may not get their wish just yet. And his unclear status has everyone wondering what to do next.

The 22-year-old outfielder was heating up at the plate before he sustained a wrist injury on May 4. His stint on the IL was expected to be short, but Anthony hasn't resumed baseball activities as of May 14. It's disappointing, given Anthony's underlying stats show he has way more hitting power than his early batting average entailed. What's worse, this recent injury could have a lasting effect on his production.

Here's what fantasy managers need to know now, and next steps to take if they have Anthony on their rosters.

The Surface Stats Versus the Underlying Contact Quality

Why the .229 Average Hides Elite Tools

We aren't going to tell you a .229 batting average with one home run on 12 hits is good. Because that is way too low for a player with a top-50 ADP. We will point out that Anthony's underlying metrics are still very strong, and on par with his hot streak in 2025.

Per Statcast, Anthony's hard-hit percentage (47.4%), average exit velocity (92.3 mph), and bat speed (75.6 mph) are all elite among MLB hitters. Plus, his superior chase rate (21.6%) and 33:20 K ratio show he had plate discipline despite getting off to a slow start.

Elite numbers like those aren't new for Anthony. His rookie season in 2025 featured a 60.7% hard-hit rate with a .292 batting average and 75 hits in 71 games. With that momentum and discipline, Anthony could've added to those tallies if his season hadn't ended early due to an oblique strain.

What Makes This Wrist Injury So Alarming

Comparisons and Recovery Data

It's not like Anthony hasn't been injured before. Heck, he experienced back tightness in late April, which may have contributed to his slow start in 2026.

But his latest ailment is a different animal. Wrist injuries don't just take up to two months estimated recovery time for big-leaguers. They can greatly impact bat speed, which can sink that top-tier hard-hit rate and exit velocity Anthony has possessed in 2026.

Red Sox great David Ortiz went through power outages when he dealt with wrist discomfort throughout his career. Nomar Garciaparra, another Boston big bat, originally injured his right wrist as a 26-year-old and had to have surgery two years later, missing the majority of the 2001 season and losing his batting power.

And then, there is Freddie Freeman. The Dodgers slugger dealt with wrist injuries in 2015 and 2017, saying of the latter injury at 27 years old that his bat speed was "absolutely gone." Freeman missed just 44 games for the Braves that season, but his numbers and performance decreased across the board.

Now, Freeman did eventually get his groove back. But looking at him as an example raises concerns about Anthony's recovery time. And the fact that Anthony doesn't have the experience and bat discipline built up yet makes the recovery from this wrist injury all the more important.

Fantasy Strategy: Hold, Sell, or Buy Low on Anthony Right Now

So what's a fantasy baseball manager to do with all this information? May is a crucial time for roster tweaks, after all.

Even with the unclear timeline for his return, managers in dynasty leagues and in redraft formats with an open IL spot are advised to hold Anthony. His underlying metrics are strong, and his projected production for the season is still high. With that in mind, owners with room can stash him without his absence taking up a roster spot.

Managers who are really sweating Anthony's unavailability should only consider a buy-low swap scenario if a high-value hitter like Mike Trout is available. A hot starting pitcher like Rangers southpaw MacKenzie Gore would also create a productive flip, but that would depend solely on what a roster's immediate needs are.

Finally, managers should keep Anthony's injury and recovery timeline in mind when making other 2026 fantasy roster moves. Even a seemingly minor wrist injury can have a big impact on a player's plate appearances, and your fantasy roster should be prepared to act accordingly.

Questions About The Most Important Wrist Injury in Fantasy Baseball, Answered

Why is Roman Anthony's wrist injury the most important in fantasy baseball right now?

Anthony already missed time with upper back tightness, and wrist injuries can significantly impact bat speed and power production for elite young hitters.

Do his 2026 surface stats hide better underlying talent?

Yes. Anthony's .229 average and one home run look underwhelming, but his hard-hit metrics, exit velocity, and plate discipline remain elite.

Should I hold, sell, or buy low on Roman Anthony right now?

Managers in dynasty leagues or formats with IL flexibility are advised to hold Anthony because his long-term production outlook remains strong.

What historical comps exist for young hitters returning from in-season wrist injuries?

David Ortiz, Nomar Garciaparra, and Freddie Freeman all experienced reduced power or bat speed following wrist injuries during their careers.

How long will Roman Anthony likely miss time?

Anthony was initially expected to miss minimal time, but he had not resumed baseball activities as of May 14.

Is Anthony worth rostering in shallow 10- or 12-team leagues?

Managers with available IL spots should continue holding Anthony because his underlying metrics still support significant upside.

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This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 1:02 PM.