Story by
How Does Injury to Eli White Impct Boston Red Sox Lineup?
- Story by
- How Does Injury to Eli White Impct Boston Red Sox Lineup?
RedSoxRoundtable's Zach Coe discusses how the injury to Eli White impacts how the Boston Red Sox will construct their lineup. Be sure to join our FREE community over on RedSoxRoundtable.com!
BOSTON -- Ahead of Friday night's series opening loss to the Kansas City Royals , the Boston Red Sox lost yet another key contributor to the injured list as they placed outfielder Eli White on the 10-day injured list with a right foot ligament injury suffered in Tuesday's loss to the Los Angeles Angels . The injury to White stretches and already thin Boston lineup even thinner, as White had been filling in for All-Star center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela , who is on the IL with a quad strain.
Advertisement
With White joining Rafaela on the injured list , the pressure is on these Red Sox hitters to perform in their stead:
Jarren Duran
Sep 7, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Jarren Duran (16) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the second inning at Fenway Park. Eric Canha-Imagn Images
It's been a tumultuous season for the now 30-year-old Duran, who has struggled to a slash line of .207/.263/366/.629 in 138 games while ranking in the bottom five among qualified hitters in the sport in batting average (136th), on-base percentage (138th), OPS (135th) and weighted runs created plus (69, 137th). With both Rafaela and White on the injured list, Duran will shift over to center field, where he has spent over 2200 innings in his big-league career.
White filled in admirably for Rafaela, hitting .292/.292/.458/.750 in eight games, that pressure to replace Rafaela's production now shifts to Duran, who is hitting .206/.250/.324/.574 in September.
Advertisement
Roman Anthony
Sep 9, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter Roman Anthony (19) hits a two run home run during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Fenway Park. Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
The 22-year-old had been primarily serving as the designated hitter since being activated off the injured list on Aug. 30 . However, Anthony now figures to handle the bulk of the work in left field, with Duran shifting to center. It has been a strange season defensively for the former No. 1 prospect in the sport, as he struggled mightily to make what should be routine throws from left field, a problem that was attributed to an issue with his footwork.
Despite being profiled as an average to above-average defensive outfielder, Anthony has at times struggled to play balls off the Green Monster at Fenway Park, posting a -1 outs above average in 133 innings in left field in 2026. However, his four defensive runs saved paint a much kinder defensive picture for the 22-year-old.
Advertisement
More playing time in left field gives Anthony a chance to shed the '22-year-old DH' label he was starting to get from both fans and the media.
Nate Eaton
Jun 23, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Nate Eaton (18) reacts from second on an RBI double in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
After playing 41 games at the big league level in 2025, Eaton has spent much of the 2026 season in Triple-A Worcester. He was, however, recalled when the team placed Rafaela on the injured list on Sunday, though he has only appeared in one game since being recalled, getting the start in center field in Wednesday night's series-finale loss to Los Angeles .
In 15 games with Boston in 2026, the 29-year-old is hitting just .139/.279/.278/.557 with one home run and six RBI. However, he has performed well in Worcester, hitting .253/.338/.410/.748 with nine home runs, 16 doubles, three triples and 44 RBI in 84 games. Eaton figures to see some work in center field against left-handed pitching, with Duran finding himself on the bench.
Advertisement
Up next for the Sox
The Red Sox will look to snap a three-game losing streak on Saturday and even up the three-game series with the Royals. Ranger Suarez (6-4, 3.44 ERA) gets the start for Boston opposite Randy Dobnak (3-3, 2.54 ERA) for Kansas City . First pitch from Fenway Park is set for 4:10 p.m. ET.
