As the Boston Red Sox resumed play after the All-Star break, starting a three-game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night, shortstop Trevor Story was with them. Story had been sidelined since April due to season-ending left shoulder surgery, having only managed 31 at-bats in 2024. The injury occurred on April 5 against the Angels when Story dove to stop a hard-hit ball by Mike Trout, leading to his exit in the fourth inning.
Initially, it was estimated that Story would need six months to recover, but the two-time All-Star is hopeful he might return sooner and has not ruled out a comeback this season. “We’re having conversations about it now,” Story told reporters at Dodger Stadium, according to Alex Speier of The Boston Globe. “It’s too early to say if that’s gonna happen or not, but always in my mind, it’s something that obviously there’s a chance to play in the playoffs, this is why I came to Boston. So I think we’re being very diligent about the process, we’re being respectful, and we’re not doing anything like that my body’s not saying yes to. It’s too early to tell, but obviously, it would be amazing if I can.”
Story’s early exit was particularly frustrating given the patience he has had to exercise since joining the Red Sox in 2022. After signing a six-year, $140 million deal following the team’s last postseason run, Story has been plagued by injuries. In 2022, he was limited to 94 games due to a right-hand contusion and a left heel contusion. In 2023, he only played 43 games after undergoing surgery on his right ulnar collateral ligament.
Entering 2024, Story was expected to be the Red Sox’s primary shortstop, but his latest injury forced manager Alex Cora to improvise by using rookies Ceddanne Rafaela and David Hamilton in the middle infield. This strategy has so far mitigated Story’s absence, with Boston remaining a postseason contender as they enter the second half of the season. This gives Story a possible window for a return if the team makes the playoffs.
The Red Sox started their series in Los Angeles third in the American League wild-card race, trailing the division-leading Baltimore Orioles by 4 1/2 games. With the July 30 trade deadline approaching, the team’s front office still has opportunities to strengthen the roster for the latter part of the season.
