'A long time coming': Anthony's teammates ecstatic about his callup to Majors

BOSTON -- Around 5:30 p.m. on Monday, a loud round of cheers echoed from the Red Sox’s clubhouse through the tunnel and into the home dugout. Moments later, Roman Anthony emerged from the steps and took in Fenway Park for the first time as a big leaguer.

The No. 1 prospect in baseball per MLB Pipeline was called up ahead of Boston’s 10-8 loss in 11 innings to the Rays and made his debut in right field batting fifth.

“Yeah, they're excited,” manager Alex Cora said. “They're excited for the kid, excited for the club. And we just got to go out there and play baseball.”

Anthony arrived at Fenway just a couple hours before first pitch. Since the callup was sudden, Anthony hadn’t had time to personally alert his new teammates, including Marcelo Mayer.

“I actually heard through the grapevine here,” said Mayer, who is Boston's No. 2 prospect. “Right when I heard I shot him a text, called him. Just expressed how excited I was for him, and that I’d see him soon.”

Boston’s top two prospects, Anthony and Mayer happen to be best friends. The two roomed together while in Double-A Portland, and were inseparable in Triple-A Worcester up until Mayer got his call on May 24.

“I don't think as much as I thought it would be,” Anthony said when asked if his heart was racing upon hearing from Worcester manager Chad Tracy that he’d been called up. “I think it was racing more a few weeks ago, when I heard Marcelo was going up. It was kind of racing for Marcelo.”

While Anthony was even-keeled and humble when speaking about his excitement joining the club, his teammates were all smiles and more than happy giving Anthony his flowers.

“[Cora] called me into his office and then just kind of told me and kind of gave me the breakdown, and I was super ecstatic,” Jarren Duran said. “I mean, I love that kid. He's so funny, and I can't wait to see him and Marcelo back together and see the craziness they cause in the clubhouse.”

Anthony arrived as a reinforcement after the Red Sox placed outfielder Wilyer Abreu on the IL with a left oblique strain. Cora noticed something with Abreu as the outfielder ran to first on a fly ball to center in Sunday’s win over the Yankees. Abreu received treatment after the finale and again on Monday.

“It sucks for Willie, but I know he's going to be OK. I've talked to him to see how he's doing,” Duran said. “But I think the big picture is just like being able to be happy for Roman, see him come up, and hopefully do his thing. Just go out there, ball out and have fun.”

On a whirlwind day, Anthony made his Major League debut alongside Kristian Campbell (second base) and Mayer (third). The Big 3 finally together at Fenway Park.

“Yeah, it’s been a long time coming,” Mayer said. “I feel like it’s been talked about for a very long time, and it’s kind of crazy that today is the day we’re all going to share the field together in the big leagues. I’m super excited. I think we have a really good team, and he’s just another great addition.”