For a second game in a row, Roman Anthony was missing from the Red Sox’ lineup Thursday because of a back problem. He said that he was not sure if he would return Friday, when the Sox visit the Orioles, but suggested it shouldn’t drag on much longer than that.

The Red Sox kept leadoff man Roman Anthony out of the lineup on Wednesday night against Yankees left-handed ace Max Fried not due to matchup reasons, but because the 21-year-old outfielder is dealing with back tightness.