In a shocking revelation, Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora told media members on Friday that he believes shortstop Trevor Story will eventually return in 2024. Cora said that Story will take batting practice on the field on Monday, which he termed a “huge step” for the 31-year-old. Story has been out since April 6 with a left shoulder dislocation. Cora gave no concrete timetable for an expected return date for his middle infielder. The manager also said that starting pitcher Nick Pivetta, who is out with arm fatigue, is set to throw a bullpen session on Monday. His next start is slated for either Wednesday (vs. Texas Rangers) or Thursday (vs. Baltimore Orioles).
Cora said he’s now fully convinced Trevor Story will play for the Red Sox this year. Story will take BP on the field Monday in what Cora said is a “huge step” for him.
Pivetta will throw a bullpen Monday before his next start either Wednesday or Thursday.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) August 9, 2024
Red Sox’s Trevor Story Trending Towards Shocking Return
Story suffered a serious injury on a diving play in early April. It was announced that he required what was termed as “season-ending surgery”, which he had on April 12. After spending just under two weeks on the 10-day injured list, Story was transferred to the 60-day IL on April 18, where he’s been since. Story has been around the team but hasn’t really ramped up baseball activity since getting hurt. He had previously stated last month that he hoped to potentially return this season. Cora’s emphatic comments on Friday open the door for said comeback.
#RedSox Trevor Story injured his left shoulder on this diving play.
Keep an eye out for an update on the injury. pic.twitter.com/4h81Py5qGH
— Mike Kurland (@Mike_Kurland) April 6, 2024
Story played just eight games this year for Boston before the injury. He batted .226 with a .617 OPS and three doubles. It’s been a rocky road with the Red Sox for Story, who has consistently been hurt. Since signing a 6-year, $140 million deal in 2022, with the option to make it seven, the infielder has played just 145 games over three seasons. Story played 94 contests in 2022, missing time due to hand and heel issues. He appeared just 43 times last year after starting on the IL with an elbow injury. Over his three campaigns in Boston, Story has batted .227 with a .681 OPS and 19 home runs. He began his career with the Colorado Rockies, slashing .272/.340/.523 in six seasons.
“I just love this game, man. I put my heart and soul into it.”
A visibly emotional Trevor Story spoke to the media following the news he will have surgery to repair a glenoid fracture. #RedSox | https://t.co/jyk3EsbxuY pic.twitter.com/NmkEcH5lWT
— NESN (@NESN) April 9, 2024
In his absence, Ceddanne Rafaela and David Hamilton have taken over the bulk of shortstop reps. Red Sox shortstops are batting .272 in 2024 with 13 homers and 51 RBI. A return for Story would allow Rafaela to play more center field, which he’s done 66 times this season. It would also lead to potential increased production at second base, with Hamilton having the chance to slide over. The position is Boston’s worst offensive spot by far this season.
What Story’s Return Would Mean For Boston
Trevor Story’s return would most certainly add another bat to the current Red Sox offense. Boston is already expecting first baseman Triston Casas back from his prolonged absence. Both players would act like trade acquisitions for an organization fighting for the postseason. Although a return to shortstop may push Hamilton, who has shown flashes at times, down the pecking order, Story’s veteran presence and history make it a worthwhile move. Teams don’t sign someone to a $140 million contract unless they believe the player can have an impact on winning. They don’t just sit out their highest-paid athletes. If Story is healthy, he is going to play. The question is when, or if, Story will make it onto the field.
Photo Credit: © Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
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