Roman Anthony’s postseason debut was cut short Tuesday as he exited the American League Wild Card Game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees due to a hand injury. The Red Sox leadoff hitter left the game in the top of the sixth inning after experiencing discomfort in his right hand, the same hand that sidelined him for 101 games this season.

Anthony faced Yankees starter Cam Schlittler twice, striking out both times, including on checked swings that appeared to aggravate the injury. Red Sox manager Chad Tracy said Anthony reported discomfort during the at-bat and was removed before taking his turn in the on-deck circle. Pinch hitter Andruw Monasterio replaced him in the batting order.

“It’s difficult,” Tracy said of the injury, adding that the team was still evaluating Anthony’s status for the remainder of the series. “It flares up on him and becomes uncomfortable, and you have to make a move there.”

Anthony’s struggles with injuries have been a recurring issue since his major league debut last season. Besides missing significant time this year due to the torn ligament in his right hand, he did not participate in last year’s Wild Card Series against the Yankees due to an oblique strain. He was placed on the injured list on May 7 and returned to action on August 30 after months of rehabilitation at the Red Sox facility in Fort Myers, Florida.

Upon his return, Anthony posted a .262 batting average and a .797 OPS over 25 regular-season games, with four home runs and 10 RBIs. “He’s obviously coming off that [injured list],” Tracy noted. “You’ll get a zinger every once in a while, where you feel something but it’s fine, it goes away. But today some stuff happened that was more serious and was uncomfortable.”

Teammate Trevor Story acknowledged the challenges Anthony has faced this season. “He’s battled through a lot this year,” Story said.

The Red Sox fell to the Yankees 9-0 in Game 1 on Tuesday and face the possibility of elimination in Game 2 on Wednesday. At the time of the injury, Tracy said it was uncertain whether Anthony would be able to play in the next game of the Wild Card series.