Key Red Sox trio closing in on returns from IL

1:01 AM UTC

BOSTON -- Red Sox outfielder continues to inch toward his much-anticipated return to action.

The key left-handed hitter completed a four-game stint with Double-A Portland on Sunday by going 0-for-3.

Up next? A move up the ladder to Triple-A Worcester, where Anthony will suit up for the start of the team’s homestand on Tuesday.

During his four games with Portland, Anthony went 3-for-11 with a double, a titanic home run and two walks.

Coming off a partially torn tendon in his right hand/wrist that he sustained on May 4, Anthony has made strong progress over the past month.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if he returns at some point during the upcoming road trip, which starts in Miami (Monday-Wednesday) and continues in New York (Friday-Sunday).

The Big Apple sounds far more likely, particularly considering the Red Sox have an off-day on Thursday between those two cities.

“I wouldn't completely rule it out,” Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said when asked if Anthony could surface in Miami. “But I still think he's in the building-up phase of outfield and continuing to get at-bats. So, I won't completely rule it out, but he's definitely going to continue on Tuesday in Worcester.“

It’s also possible that shortstop and/or utility infielder are activated during the Marlins series.

Both players spent the week playing for Worcester. Tracy said they would be evaluated by team doctors on Monday at Fenway, and the team would make decisions then.

Story is returning from sports hernia surgery and hasn’t played for the Red Sox since May 14. He is likely to take on most of the playing time at shortstop when he returns, though rest will certainly be built in.

In six games for the WooSox, Story is 4-for-21. Kiner-Falefa, who has been on the injured list since June 19 with a stress reaction in his right forearm, is 1-for-13 with Worcester.

Chances of seeing one or both of those infielders in Miami?

“Up in the air,” Tracy said. “We'll see how they feel. Obviously, there's no games for the Minors [on Monday], so we'll see how they feel when they come in here and figure out what we're going to do there, if they're going to continue [in their rehab assignment] or what moves we'll make, or if they're going to go back out [to the Minors] and continue to play.”