Trevor Story has missed most of the season after undergoing sports hernia surgery, but he is nearing a return for the Boston Red Sox.
He made his first rehab start for Triple-A Worcester on Sunday, playing shortstop and hitting second. He went 1-for-2, picking up a single in the bottom of the fourth inning. He was pulled after two at-bats and a couple of long defensive innings.
"It's mainly changing direction, all-out sprints and that type of thing," Story said when asked what he's focused on during this rehab assignment, per WooSox insider Tommy Cassell. "The game brings out a different speed in me, and we've done all we can up to this point, so that's kind of the last box we need to check."
It's been a while since Story has played in a game, so getting his legs under him and getting his timing right at the plate will be key. However, when he does return, he may be fighting to stay in the lineup.
Andruw Monasterio has been great offensively as of late and has the third-best OPS on the team since June 27. When Story returns, he will likely go to second base, but then when Curtis Mead returns, Story may have to prove his worth.
The team is looking to make a deep postseason run and acquired Mead from the Washington Nationals amid a career year. He has an .851 OPS this season and is going to be the regular second baseman when ready.
Story was hitting .206 before landing on the injured list. At this point in the year, the Red Sox cannot just trot him out there because he is a highly paid player. If Monasterio and Mead are the better bats, they need to play. Still, Story is looking forward to helping the big-league club soon.
"That's the goal, right," Story said. "It's to come back in and play in the playoffs and make a run. We've shown what we can do, and we have some more key pieces coming back. I'm excited about that, and excited to fit back into the mix. The boys are playing well, and I'm really proud of the way we've turned this around."
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