Young Red Sox star Roman Anthony enjoying being a ‘first-timer' at historic Wrigley Field

Boston Globe

7 days ago

Anthony batted third and was the designated hitter Friday as the Red Sox looked to restart their engines after the All-Star break and to recapture the momentum of their 10-game winning streak heading into it. Seeing so many players at the workout told veteran shortstop
Trevor Story
the team was raring to go.
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'The boys are ready to just be together again,' Story said. 'I think we miss each other. Believe it or not, we're with each other every single day, but when you go three or four days without it, it's like, 'Man, where the boys at?' You know? I think it's just a sign that the boys love being together. We love the vibe that we have, and obviously shows the focus that we want to start the second half.'
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For manager
Alex Cora
, the high attendance reflected a team 'finding our identity. Obviously, throughout the season, we were learning who we are. And there was a lot of stuff that happened, injury-wise, and the [
Rafael Devers
] trade, and all that. And little by little, we found our place.'
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Decision soon on Houck
With one simple word — 'yes' — Cora threw some doubt on to what comes next for pitcher
Tanner Houck
, whose rehab assignment expired Friday, leaving the team with a decision to face in the next day or so.
The 29-year-old righthander spent the past two months on the injured list with a right flexor pronator strain, but now the Sox need to decide where he best fits: in the rotation, in the bullpen, back to a new rehab clock, or, as Cora wouldn't rule out, optioned to Triple A Worcester.
Asked directly before the game if optioning Houck was on the table, Cora said, 'Yes,' before adding, 'Bres [chief baseball officer
Craig Breslow
] is not here, so you know, they'll make a decision and we'll inform you guys.'
Houck, an All-Star last season, struggled in nine starts this year, posting an 8.04 ERA before the injury.
'I believe I'm a starter. I've always felt that way. I'll continue to feel that way for the rest of my career,' Houck said before the break. 'I've proven that I can start in this league, even at the highest level. I know that my first nine starts don't define me and what my talent is and what my ability is.'
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Bregman easing back in
Alex Bregman
was in the lineup Friday, batting second, and Cora said the 31-year-old third baseman rebounded well physically from his return last Friday but that he will ease his way back into playing every day.
The plan, Cora said, is for Bregman to play the first two games of this series and again in the next series at Philadelphia, then have two consecutive games off before the Sox return home to face the Dodgers.
'Hopefully by [that] Friday, he gets a full go,' Cora said.
Center of the action
Ceddanne Rafaela
was in his customary center field spot, but don't be surprised to see another appearance at second base in the series finale in Philly … Cora said he enjoyed a quiet break, 'stayed in the area with the family and just hung out and then came here to this beautiful place, you know, to start the second part of the season.' … The Sox have quite the test coming up with the Cubs, Phillies, and Dodgers, three straight division leaders. 'We'll see how we stack up,' veteran
Rob Refsnyder
said. 'Three great teams now.'
Tara Sullivan is a Globe columnist. She can be reached at