Roman Anthony wearing No. 48 didn’t last very long.
The Boston Red Sox rookie will don a new number — 19 — going forward, he told Tokyo Sports. The reason for the number change is unknown.
No. 19 holds a lot of history for the Red Sox. Here is a list of others who have worn it:
- Jackie Bradley Jr. (2017-2022)
- Koji Uehara (2013-2016)
- Josh Beckett (2006-2012)
- Gabe Kapler (2004)
- Fred Lynn (1974-1980)
Sean Newcomb was the last Red Sox player to wear it, before being traded earlier this season.
It’s unclear why Anthony switched from 48 to 19.
Anthony, baseball’s No. 1 prospect, earned his long-awaited call to MLB on Monday night. The 21-year-old made his big-league debut in right field for the Red Sox against the Tampa Bay Rays. He went 0-for-4 in the 10-8 extra-innings loss, but drew a walk and drove in a run. Anthony also committed a costly error in the outfield which allowed Brandon Lowe to score from first.
Anthony and his new number return to the lineup on Tuesday. He’ll bat fifth and play right field again.
