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Red Sox's Roman Anthony Discusses 'Dream' Of Playing In World Baseball Classic originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Roman Anthony will take an unanticipated spring detour when competing in the World Baseball Classic.
The Boston Red Sox received another WBC representative when Anthony accepted an invite to replace injured Arizona Diamondbacks star Corbin Carroll on the United States' WBC roster. Former Red Sox teammate Alex Bregman recommended the 21-year-old to Team USA manager Mark DeRosa.
Anthony reflected on the events that led to him participating in the WBC during an interview with MLB Network's Chris Young.
"Came back in the clubhouse one day and saw the unfortunate news about Corbin, so I hope he's doing all right," Anthony said. "And then, at that point, (Alex Cora) had mentioned something to me, and Bregman was texting me a bit. Then that night, I got to speak with DeRo, which was unbelievable."
Team USA's youngest player was born two years before the inaugural WBC took place in 2006. The Florida native is excited to play in the tournament.
"Growing up, it's been a dream of mine," Anthony said. "Coming into the spring, I didn't really expect it. I thought they had the roster set already. So for me, it was about coming in and getting ready for my first full year. And then got that call, got the approval from the team, all the guys.
"For me, it was a no-brainer. It's a blessing, for sure."
Anthony is one of four outfielders on the U.S. roster alongside Aaron Judge, Byron Buxton and Pete Crow-Armstrong. Team USA plays Brazil at the Houston Astros' Daikin Park on Friday night.
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