The Boston Red Sox are cautiously optimistic about the potential return of shortstop Trevor Story, who has been sidelined since May 15 due to a sports hernia. Story's recovery is a significant development for the team, as he was struggling before his injury, batting just .206 with three home runs and a .547 OPS in 41 games. The real intrigue lies in the fact that Story had been playing through his injury since spring training, which could mean a full recovery could bring back the player who hit 25 home runs and stole 31 bases in 2025.
Story's return is a delicate process, as he is gradually increasing the intensity of his defensive work. Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy explained that Story is currently able to participate in hitting drills and batting practice, but defensive work, particularly lateral mobility, can still cause soreness. Tracy emphasized the importance of monitoring Story's progress to ensure he doesn't experience any setbacks.
The Red Sox are also monitoring the progress of other injured players, including left-hander Ranger Suarez, who is scheduled to throw a side session before Sunday's game, and infielders Marcelo Mayer and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who are both set to have follow-up imaging done on their forearms. Left-hander Connelly Early is throwing up to 90 feet on flat ground, with the next step being moving out to 120 feet before getting back on the mound.
While the Red Sox are focused on the progress of their injured players, the potential return of Trevor Story is a significant development for the team. Story's ability to return to full health could mean a significant boost to the team's offensive production, and his return could be a pivotal moment in the team's season. However, the Red Sox are taking a cautious approach, emphasizing the importance of monitoring Story's progress to ensure a successful return.
In my opinion, the Red Sox are wise to take a cautious approach to Story's recovery. While the potential for a significant boost to the team's offense is exciting, the team must ensure that Story is fully recovered before bringing him back. The fact that Story had been playing through his injury since spring training is a reminder of the importance of monitoring players' health and ensuring they are fully recovered before returning to action. The Red Sox are doing the right thing by taking a gradual approach to Story's return, and I expect they will continue to monitor his progress closely as he works towards a full recovery.
