After being sidelined since May 14, Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story has finally taken the next step toward returning, beginning a rehab assignment with Triple-A as he works toward rejoining the team for a potential postseason push.
Story has appeared in only 41 games this season while dealing with a painful sports hernia injury that affected his performance. After attempting to play through the issue, the veteran infielder eventually reached a point where surgery became necessary, forcing him to the injured list.
Before his injury absence, Story struggled at the plate. In 165 at-bats, he posted a .206 batting average with a .244 on-base percentage, a .303 slugging percentage, and a .547 OPS. Those numbers have raised questions about how much of an impact he can make once he returns.
However, Story remains confident that the procedure will allow him to return at full strength and provide the type of production the Red Sox expected when they signed him.
“Very confident,” Story said. “That’s the whole point of getting the surgery and coming back, to be at full strength. It was tough there in the beginning of this year and I battled through it. But I’m looking forward to going out there and doing some things more like last year, for sure.”
Injury Problems Have Defined Story’s Red Sox Career
Story’s time in Boston has been far different from his successful run with the Colorado Rockies, where he established himself as one of baseball’s premier shortstops while consistently staying healthy.
Since joining the Red Sox, injuries have become the biggest obstacle preventing him from finding sustained success. Now in his fifth season with the organization, Story has played in only 361 games.
During his Red Sox tenure, Story has dealt with multiple setbacks, including hand and heel contusions, UCL surgery, a fractured shoulder, and now the sports hernia issue. Those injuries have made it difficult for him to maintain consistency.
Overall, Story has hit .242 with a .295 OBP, a .402 slugging percentage, and a .697 OPS during his time in Boston.
Despite those struggles, Story has shown flashes of his former All-Star form. In 2025, when he managed to stay healthy, he delivered a strong season highlighted by 25 home runs. The talent remains, but he will need to make an immediate impact once activated if he wants to play a major role in Boston’s playoff chase.
Red Sox Have Found Another Option While Story Was Away
While Story recovered, Boston turned to Andruw Monasterio to help fill the infield void alongside other missing players such as Curtis Mead and Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
Monasterio has rewarded that opportunity, producing impressive numbers since the beginning of July with a .308 batting average, a .379 on-base percentage, and a .500 slugging percentage.
That production has created a difficult decision for the Red Sox once Story returns.
Interim manager Chad Tracy recently made it clear that Monasterio has earned a place in the lineup moving forward, regardless of Story’s availability.
“He’ll still play,” Tracy said. “It’s hard to deny. He’ll play second. You saw the early part of the season where Mona was playing third, second and a little bit of short if he needed to. The way he’s swung the bat against both left and right, you can’t deny that or ignore it. You have to keep that involved.”
The Red Sox could find ways to get both players on the field, with Story potentially moving around the infield. But the message is clear: Story will not automatically reclaim a guaranteed everyday role.
With Boston fighting for a playoff spot, the team will prioritize production over reputation. If Story can return healthy and rediscover his previous form, he could become a major boost down the stretch. If not, the Red Sox now know they have reliable alternatives ready to step in.