The Red Sox might get a massive boost at shortstop before the week is over. Trevor Story is moving through his rehab assignment in Triple-A Worcester. He could be back in the Boston lineup as early as this weekend when the team faces the Giants at Fenway Park.
Story has been sidelined since May 16. He needed surgery to fix a sports hernia. On Wednesday, he went 2-for-4 with two singles, an RBI, and a run during a 9-7 win over Syracuse. He played six full innings at shortstop during that game. This progress is huge for a team looking to solidify its infield.
The infield injury list
The middle infield has been a revolving door lately. Marcelo Mayer is also working his way back from an injury. Story might not return until Saturday at the earliest. He had a scheduled recovery day today and will play for the WooSox in Syracuse tomorrow night. This timeline means the Red Sox are still playing a waiting game.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa is also in Worcester right now. Since June 20, a stress fracture in his left forearm has been managed by him. He went 1-for-3 with a single and a walk on Wednesday. Seven innings were played at second base before his removal occurred in the eighth inning.
The stats for these guys show why they matter. Before his time on the IL, Story posted a .547 OPS with three home runs in 41 games. Kiner-Falefa hit .277/.344/.361 with seven steals in 47 games during his first year with the club. Having that kind of talent back on the field changes the math for Boston.
Pitching staff fatigue
It is not just the hitters feeling the strain. The pitching staff is also showing signs of wear. The Red Sox bullpen has been great, but the group may be showing some cracks. The team is trying to manage workloads to avoid more long-term issues.
Jake Bennett is getting a break this week. He will not pitch until Sunday against the Giants. This is nine days after his last start. The team is simply trying to get some extra rest.
Tanner Houck is also making progress. He recently threw to hitters for the first time in a while. He is getting close to returning, as throwing 25 pitches to hitters on a mound is a positive sign.
The roster shuffle
Andruw Monasterio has been a bright spot while the starters were out. He has a .743 OPS over 87 games this season. He can play almost anywhere in the dirt. If Story returns, Monasterio might move to second base to keep his bat in the lineup.
Other players are still working through their own issues. Roman Anthony is also on the IL due to a torn tendon in his right finger. He hit a home run for Double-A Portland on Tuesday.
