Story & Anthony: The Cure for Red Sox Chaos?
Red Sox Getting Healthier: Trevor Story and Roman Anthony Nearing Returns
The Big Picture
The Boston Red Sox are getting two important players back from injury soon. Trevor Story (shortstop) and Roman Anthony (outfielder/leadoff hitter) are both working their way back through minor league games. Their returns could give the team a major boost.
Trevor Story: The Shortstop Situation
Where Things Stand
- Story played his first rehab game Monday for Triple-A Worcester
- Went 1 for 2 at the plate and played four innings in the field
- Tuesday: Flying to Syracuse for two more games
- Target return: Could rejoin the Red Sox as early as Friday’s game vs. the Giants
Why This Matters
Important: Story has been out since June 2 after sports hernia surgery. This is the fourth time in four years he’s returned from the injured list mid-season.
The Shortstop Shuffle
Since Story went down, the Sox have used five different players at shortstop:
- Tsung-Che Cheng
- Isiah Kiner-Falefa
- Marcelo Mayer
- Andruw Monasterio
- Nick Sogard
Andruw Monasterio’s Performance
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| OPS since Story’s IL stint | .762 |
| Games started at shortstop | 38 of 81 |
| Highlight | Spinning throw from outfield grass to get Jordan Lawlar (Monday) |
| Concern | Has shown limited range at the position |
Story’s Track Record
- When healthy, Story has been a good defensive shortstop
- He knows his body well — this is his 4th IL return in 4 years
- Quote from Story: "It’s all about game-speed stuff now and getting my game legs under me. I’m excited about that."
The Mental Side
Story didn’t travel with the team during his rehab — he stayed home in Texas for weeks. But he watched the team’s incredible turnaround:
"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."
Roman Anthony: The Leadoff Solution
Rehab Assignment Starts Tuesday
- Tuesday: Joins Double-A Portland
- First game: Will play five innings in left field
- Then: Team will decide how many more games he needs
Why Anthony Matters
Important: Before his injury, Anthony had a .347 on-base percentage (OBP) in 22 games as leadoff hitter. Since he got hurt, Sox leadoff hitters have a .292 OBP.
The Injury
- Tore a ligament in his right ring finger
- Happened May 5 in Detroit (fouling off a pitch)
- Hasn’t spoken to reporters in over a month
- Was rehabbing in Fort Myers (team gave few updates)
What He Brings
- Age 22 with advanced plate discipline
- Works deep counts and gets on base
- Keen eye at the plate — knows strikes from balls
- Even when struggling, "finds his way to first base"
Manager Chad Tracy’s Take
Tracy managed Anthony for 93 games at Worcester (2024-25):
"You guys have seen him when he’s at his best, and even when he’s not. 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. He understands what’s a strike, what’s a ball. If he’s feeling good, he can make a significant impact."
Where He Fits Now
- Leadoff hitter (immediate upgrade)
- Designated hitter (with Masataka Yoshida on IL — hamstring strain)
- Left field occasionally
The Manager’s Perspective
Chad Tracy (interim manager) has only written Anthony’s name in the lineup seven times since becoming manager. He sees the big picture:
"I’ve been watching MLB Network for the last week and watching the number of different really good players that have gone down with injuries. We had one happen with Masa [Yoshida]. So having players back healthy matters."
Summary
| Player | Injury | Current Status | Expected Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trevor Story | Sports hernia surgery (June 2) | Rehab games at Triple-A; could return Friday | Starting shortstop, veteran presence |
| Roman Anthony | Torn ligament, right ring finger (May 5) | Starting rehab at Double-A Tuesday | Leadoff hitter, DH, occasional left field |
Bottom line: Both players fill major needs — Story stabilizes shortstop defense, Anthony fixes the leadoff spot. The Red Sox have weathered a storm of injuries; getting these two back could be the final piece in their surprising turnaround.
FAQ
1. What is a "rehab assignment"?
When a major league player is hurt, they play games in the minor leagues to build strength and timing before returning. It’s like practice games that count for real.
2. What does OPS mean?
On-base Plus Slugging — it combines how often a player gets on base (OBP) with how much power they hit for (slugging). Higher is better. Monasterio’s .762 is solid.
3. What is 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. Common in athletes who twist and sprint. Requires surgery and weeks of recovery.
4. Why does the leadoff hitter matter so much?
The leadoff hitter starts the game and comes up most often. Their job: get on base. A high OBP (.347 vs .292) means more runners on base, more scoring chances.
5. Has Story been injury-prone?
Yes. This is his fourth IL stint in four years with Boston. When he plays, he’s excellent. The challenge has been staying on the field.
Article based on reporting by Peter Abraham (Boston Globe)