The Red Sox Nation is eagerly awaiting the return of their star shortstop, Trevor Story, who has been sidelined since mid-May due to a sports hernia. Interim manager Chad Tracy recently shed some light on Story's progress and the steps towards his comeback.
The Road to Recovery
Tracy emphasized that Story's hitting activities are on track, allowing him to participate in batting practice with the team. However, the real challenge lies in his defensive work, particularly his lateral mobility, which occasionally triggers soreness. The manager explained that they are gradually increasing the intensity of these exercises to ensure Story's body can handle the demands without any adverse reactions.
"Once we get to that point and we feel like he's there, we'll start having discussions about rehab," Tracy said, indicating that the team is taking a cautious approach to Story's rehabilitation.
Pre-Injury Struggles
Before his injury, Story appeared in 41 games for the Red Sox, but his performance was less than stellar. Battling through the pain of his sports hernia, the 33-year-old managed a batting average of just .206 with three home runs and 19 RBI. His defensive play also suffered, grading him as a below-average fielder.
Hopes for a Healthy Return
The Red Sox are optimistic that Story's return to full health will bring back the player they signed for. In 2025, Story hit 25 home runs and stole 31 bases, a performance the team hopes to replicate.
"If he can get back to that level of production, it would be a huge boost for our lineup," said an anonymous team source.
Extra Notes
- Left-hander Ranger Suarez is scheduled for a side session to assess his groin strain, which will determine his availability for Tuesday's start.
- Infielders Marcelo Mayer and Isiah Kiner-Falefa will undergo imaging and consult a hand specialist to evaluate their forearm injuries.
- Left-hander Connelly Early is making progress, throwing up to 90 feet on flat ground, and is on track to return to the mound soon.
A Cautious Optimism
While the Red Sox are eager to have Story back, they are taking a measured approach to his recovery. The team wants to ensure Story is fully healed and capable of performing at his best before rushing him back into action.
"We want Trevor to be a key part of our lineup for years to come, so we're not going to rush him back just for a short-term gain," said Tracy.
The Red Sox's patience and careful management of Story's recovery reflect a long-term vision for the team's success. With a cautious and thoughtful approach, they aim to ensure Story's longevity and impact on the field.
