“It’s a pretty good strain,” said Anthony, who was placed on the 10-day injured list. “Don’t know the timetable. Don’t really know much other than to show up every day and do everything I can and trust the training staff.”

Before the 8-1 loss to Cleveland, manager Alex Cora said Anthony would be out 4-to-6 weeks. When asked what he could say to the 21-year-old to keep his spirits up, Cora said it was to envision playing in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series. That’s scheduled for Oct. 12.

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“At one point he’s going to be part of this. He’s got to be patient,” Cora said.

Anthony was understandably downcast when discussing the injury before Wednesday night’s game against the Guardians.

He has hit .292 with an .859 OPS, 8 home runs, and 32 RBIs over 71 games since making his major league debut in June, establishing himself as one of the best rookies in the game.

He was named the American League Rookie of the Month for August on Wednesday. Earlier in the month, Anthony agreed to an eight-year, $130 million extension.

Now he’s on the injured list along with fellow star prospect Marcelo Mayer, who had season-ending surgery on his right wrist on Aug. 20.

Oblique strains are one of baseball’s most troublesome injuries because they often reoccur unless fully healed. Playoffs or not, the Red Sox would have to be fully convinced Anthony is ready before activating him.

“We’ve just got to be patient,” Cora said. “We have to take care of the player. The team is secondary. First things first is getting him healthy. If he’s ready to go; he’s ready to go.”

No one player will replace Anthony, who has hit leadoff since late July and has a .439 on-base percentage in that spot.

Cora said Jarren Duran would be a candidate to bat first against righthanded pitchers. Right field candidates include Wilyer Abreu, who has been on the injured list since Aug. 18 with a strained right calf.

Abreu is hopeful of starting a running program this week, which would be a significant step in his return. He has hit .252 with an .811 OPS, 22 homers and 69 RBIs this season, and is one of the best defensive outfielders in the game.

The Sox also have Masataka Yoshida, who has been primarily a designated hitter but has started three games in left field this season.

Rob Refsnyder, who started in right field on Wednesday, also could see an uptick in playing time.

“We’ll mix and match just like we’ve done throughout the season,” Cora said. “We’ll be OK.”

Said Anthony: “Everyone heals differently. I’ll do everything I can every day to get back out there as fast as I can.”

Peter Abraham can be reached at peter.abraham@globe.com. Follow him on Bluesky at peteabeglobe.bsky.social‬.