Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora made a shocking revelation to the media on Friday that he believes shortstop Trevor Story will return in 2024. Cora said Story will take batting practice on the field on Monday, calling it a “big step” for the 31-year-old. Story has been out since April 6 with a dislocated left shoulder. Cora did not provide a specific timeline for when the center fielder is expected to return. He also said starting pitcher Nick Pivetta, who has been out with arm fatigue, will work in the bullpen on Monday. Pivetta's next start is scheduled for either Wednesday (vs. Texas Rangers) or Thursday (vs. Baltimore Orioles).
Cora said he believes Trevor Story will play for the Red Sox this year. Story is scheduled to take the field for BP on Monday, and Cora said it's a “big step” for him.
Pivetta is scheduled to pitch in the bullpen on Monday before taking the mound again on Wednesday or Thursday.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) August 9, 2024
Red Sox's Trevor Story heading for shocking comeback
Story was seriously injured on a diving play in early April. It was announced that he would need to undergo what's called “season-ending surgery,” and he underwent the procedure on April 12. After spending just under two weeks on the 10-day disabled list, Story was moved to the 60-day disabled list on April 18, where he has remained since. Story is with the team but has not seen any active baseball action since the injury. He said last month that he could potentially return sometime this season. Cora's strong comments on Friday opened the door to a return.
#Red Sox Trevor Story injured his left shoulder on the diving play.
Stay tuned for injury updates. pic.twitter.com/4h81Py5qGH
— Mike Kurland (@Mike_Kurland) April 6, 2024
Prior to his injury, Story had only played in eight games with Boston this year, batting .226 with a .617 OPS and three doubles. Story has had a tough road with the Red Sox due to continued injuries. Since signing a six-year, $140 million contract (with an option for a seventh) in 2022, the infielder has played in just 145 games over three seasons. Story played 94 games in 2022, but missed time with hand and heel injuries. Last year, he played in just 43 games after being placed on the disabled list with an elbow injury. In three seasons with Boston, Story has batted .227 with a .681 OPS and 19 home runs. He began his career with the Colorado Rockies, batting .272 with a .340 on-base percentage and a .523 slugging percentage over six seasons.
“I love this game. I put my heart and soul into it.”
Trevor Story was visibly emotional speaking to the media following the news that he will undergo surgery to repair a fractured glenoid. #Red Sox | https://t.co/jyk3EsbxuY pic.twitter.com/NmkEcH5lWT
— NESN (@NESN) April 9, 2024
In his absence, Sedan Raffaella and David Hamilton have handled most of the shortstop duties. The Red Sox shortstop is hitting .272 with 13 home runs and 51 RBIs in 2024. Story's return would allow Raffaella to play more in center field after he has done so 66 times this season. It would also open up opportunities for Hamilton to rotate in center and potentially play second base, which is by far the worst position for Boston's offense this season.
What Story's return means for Boston
Trevor Story's return would certainly add another hitter to the current Red Sox offense. Boston is already anticipating the return of long-time absent first baseman Triston Casas. Both players would be trade acquisitions for a postseason-contending team. A return to shortstop would push Hamilton, who has flashed flashes at times, lower down the pecking order, but Story's veteran presence and pedigree make it worthwhile. Teams aren't going to sign someone to a $140 million contract unless they're sure that player will impact winning. They're not going to just rest their highest-paid player. If Story is healthy, he'll play. The question is when, or if, Story will take the field.
Photo credit: © Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
