When Trevor Story underwent surgery to repair a glenoid fracture in his left shoulder in April, it was announced as season-ending.
In the months since his surgery, Story’s schedule has changed. In late July, Story indicated he would try to return to action before the end of the 2024 season. On August 11, Alex Cora shared that he “really believes” the shortstop could play late in the season.
On August 22, baseball chief Craig Breslow gave the most accurate update on Story’s recovery progress on an episode of WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show.”
“There’s a really good chance that (Story) will wear a Red Sox uniform at some point and help us,” he said.
The veteran has been working out in the infield for weeks but only recently started swinging the bat. His defense could provide stability to Boston’s frequently changing center field, and his right-hander could be back in the lineup sooner than the Red Sox expected.
Story’s return, however, could complicate Boston’s center field and outfield lineup. Ceddanne Rafaela is coming off a good first season as a shortstop and center fielder. He has spent most of his time in the infield recently, which has helped the Red Sox avoid a tricky situation in the outfield.
Jarren Duran, Tyler O’Neill, Wilyer Aberu, Rob Refsnyder and Rafaela have served Boston well in the outfield, and Rafaela’s frequent assignments at shortstop have helped Alex Cora use all of his available outfielders frequently. Story’s return could send Rafaela back to the outfield for good, and he’s played so well of late that taking him out of the lineup isn’t an option.
Rafaela has a batting average of .313/.358/.391 with 36 hits over his last 30 games. His defense has been characteristically solid at both positions, and the Sox need him on the field every day. But a permanent move back to the outfield could severely limit another player’s playing time.
Refsnyder and O’Neill are both right-handed hitters, and Boston has needed more power out of the right batter’s box all season. They’re in a bit of a slump, so the surging Rafaela might be able to make up for some of their offensive weakness, but O’Neill was sick before his last few games recovering from a leg infection, which may have contributed to his offensive weakness.
Story’s return could also limit the play of David Hamilton and Nick Sogard, who was sent to Worcester on Aug. 17. However, rosters will soon expand and the Red Sox may hope to use some of their emerging center fielders for important late-season assignments before next season.
Boston will likely see the same lineup crowding next season, but on an even larger scale. O’Neill is a soon-to-be-out-of-contract player and Refsnyder could retire, which could solve some of the outfield problems, but Story, Rafaela, Hamilton, Sogard, Vaughn Grissom and possibly Marcelo Mayer could all contribute to the Sox’s center field dilemma. Some offseason changes may be necessary to clear up the crowding in the middle.
Overall, Story’s return is a positive development for a team in the hunt for a playoff spot. He brings a right-handed shot, top-notch defense and years of MLB experience to a young club hoping to break through. But the many questions about the roster cannot be ignored, and the Red Sox front office will have to do some work to limit lineup overload next season.
