Story & Anthony: The Red Sox Consistency Fix?
Red Sox Fans Rejoice: Trevor Story and Roman Anthony Are Almost Back!
What’s Happening with the Red Sox?
Great news for Boston fans! Two important players who have been hurt are getting close to playing again. Trevor Story and Roman Anthony are both working their way back from injuries and could join the team very soon.
Trevor Story: The Shortstop Is Returning
Where He’s Been
Trevor Story had surgery for a sports hernia (a painful tear in the stomach/groin area) back on June 2nd. Since then, the Red Sox have tried five different players at shortstop!
His Comeback Plan
Here’s the step-by-step of his return:
- Monday: Played 4 innings for Triple-A Worcester (the team one level below the majors)
- Tuesday: Flying to Syracuse to play 2 more games
- Friday (maybe!): Could rejoin the Red Sox for their game against the Giants
Important Point: Even if Friday is too optimistic, the manager says "he’s getting close." Story himself says: "It’s all about game-speed stuff now and getting my game legs under me. I’m excited about that."
Why This Matters
- Shortstop Problem Solved: The fill-in players have been okay, but Andruw Monasterio (who started 38 of 81 games) has limited range — meaning he can’t get to as many balls
- Leadoff Hitter: Story will bat first in the lineup, setting the table for the big hitters behind him
- Experience: This would be the 4th time in 4 years Story returns from the injured list — he knows exactly when his body is ready
Roman Anthony: The Young Star Is Coming Back Too
His Injury
Anthony tore a ligament in his right ring finger on May 5th while fouling off a pitch in Detroit. He’s been rehabbing in Fort Myers quietly for over a month.
His Comeback Plan
- Tuesday: Starts rehab assignment with Double-A Portland
- First Game: Will play 5 innings in left field
- Then: Team will decide how many more games he needs
Why He’s a Big Deal
| Stat | Before Injury | Since Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Leadoff OBP | .347 (great!) | .292 (not great) |
| Games as Leadoff | 22 | 81+ games without him |
Important Point: At only 22 years old, Anthony has a special skill: he works deep counts and gets on base. Manager Chad Tracy says: "Even when Roman’s not at his best, he finds his way to first base because he’s got a really keen eye at the plate."
Where He’ll Play
With Masataka Yoshida also hurt (hamstring), Anthony can:
- Be the Designated Hitter (DH) — bats but doesn’t play defense
- Play left field sometimes
- Bat leadoff — his natural spot
What This Means for the Team
The Turnaround Story
The Red Sox had a terrible start to the season but have turned it around completely. Story watched from home in Texas and said:
"The way that the team has played has been incredible. Just the turnaround — not many people have ever seen this type of turnaround — so it’s special. That pushes us guys on the IL. That pushes us, man. It really does."
Manager Chad Tracy’s View
Tracy knows both players well — he managed Anthony for 93 games in Worcester (2024-25). He’s only written Anthony’s name in the lineup 7 times since becoming interim manager because Anthony’s been hurt. Now he gets his guys back!
Summary
- Trevor Story: Almost back from sports hernia surgery, will play shortstop and bat leadoff
- Roman Anthony: Starting rehab Tuesday, will bat leadoff and play DH/left field
- Both players solve huge holes in the lineup and defense
- Team momentum is helping push injured players to return faster
- Could happen as soon as Friday for Story, Anthony likely needs a bit more time
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. What is a "rehab assignment"?
It’s when an injured major league player plays a few games in the minor leagues (like Worcester or Portland) to test their body in real game conditions before coming back to the big team.
2. Why does it matter who plays shortstop?
Shortstop is the most important defensive position besides catcher. They cover the most ground and make the hardest throws. A good shortstop saves runs; a bad one costs runs.
3. What is OBP and why does .347 vs .292 matter?
OBP = On-Base Percentage. It measures how often a player reaches base (hits + walks + hit by pitch). .347 is excellent; .292 is below average. The leadoff hitter’s job is to get on base so the next hitters can drive them in.
4. What’s a "sports hernia"?
Despite the name, it’s not a true hernia. It’s a tear in the soft tissue (muscles/tendons) in the lower abdomen/groin area. Very painful for baseball players who twist and sprint constantly. Requires surgery and weeks of rest.
5. Who is Chad Tracy?
He’s the interim manager — took over when the previous manager was fired. He knows both returning players well from managing in the minor leagues.
Go Sox! The cavalry is coming!