Sunday's matchup between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox will decide the winner of the season series, and potentially who will host a postseason matchup between the two teams.
Roman Anthony and Trevor Story have reportedly left Worcester and will rejoin the team on Sunday. It is unclear whether they will be activated ahead of Sunday's game, but reports indicate that they will finally be back in the lineup against Will Warren. They have been absent for most of the season and could be a major boost to the offense.
While their return has been much anticipated, Willson Contreras reminded fans of the impact the players who have played in their place have had.
"I think it's really important for us to get those guys back," Contreras said on Saturday. "We need them. But it's also important to recognize the job or the work that the whole line has been put in for the last three months. I think those are tough decisions to make. I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow, but we do have to recognize the job that the guys are doing for this team and we couldn't have done what we've done without them."
When Anthony and Story return, the team will have to make corresponding moves to get them on the active roster. Story's return will likely move Andruw Monasterio and his hot bat to second base, but that means Nick Soogard and Anthony Seigler will see much less playing time. Mickey Gasper will also see fewer at-bats as Anthony slots into designated hitter and left field.
The Red Sox would not be where they are without those players. Anthony and Story were both hurt when the team turned their season around, and will now be asked to jump back in and make an impact in a World Series run.
It's easy to forget the impact some of the role players had while the stars were hurt, but Contreras went out of his way to acknowledge them. He has been a great addition to the clubhouse and has once again proved the Red Sox were right to trade for him.