The Red Sox’ $140-million dedication to Trevor Story didn’t pay dividends this yr.
Story was positioned on the 10-day injured checklist with a left heel contusion earlier than the Sox started their four-game set with the Yankees on Thursday.
The transfer is retroactive to Sept. 19, which suggests he may conceivably return in time for the ultimate two sequence of the season, though Story hasn’t precisely been a fast healer of accidents this season.
The Sox thought he’d return rapidly from a hand harm on July 12, however he ended up lacking greater than six weeks. After returning on Aug. 27, he performed in simply 13 video games earlier than he bought damage once more on Sept. 11, slipping on first base and injuring his heel.
If that is the tip of his first season in Boston, Story will end with simply 94 video games performed, the fewest of his profession, apart from the pandemic-shortened yr in 2020.
He was a late signing in spring coaching and took perpetually to get comfy on the plate and on protection, the place the previous shortstop struggled to study second base. He lastly bought getting in early May and strung collectively a 15-game stretch wherein he hit 9 homers with 27 RBI.
Since then, he’s hit simply seven homers with 29 RBI in 55 video games, although he did change into exceptionally good at second base and was one of many Sox’ higher defensive gamers. There’s been quite a lot of hypothesis that he may transfer again to shortstop subsequent yr if the Sox selected to not retain Xander Bogaerts, although they might profit from Story at second base when the shift is eradicated and defensive vary turns into extra essential.
Over 94 video games this yr, Story has hit .238 with a .737 OPS.
Familiar face
Bobby Dalbec was recalled to take Story’s place on the lively roster.
The 27-year-old was hitting simply .211 with a .644 OPS and 11 homers in 111 video games earlier than his demotion to Worcester in the beginning of September. Down within the minors, Dalbec discovered his stroke and hit .250 with an .864 OPS to go along with 5 homers and eight RBI in 13 video games.
The Sox now have a plethora of first base choices, with Triston Casas prone to get the lion’s share of at-bats, Christian Arroyo getting some taking part in time and Yu Chang additionally an choice.
Chang was within the lineup at second base whereas Casas was taking part in first base for the Sox on Thursday.
All rise
All eyes shall be on Aaron Judge, who entered Thursday with 60 residence runs, one shy of Roger Maris for the American League single season document.
Judge hit two homers in opposition to the Sox on Sept. 13 however was stored homerless on Sept. 14.
The free agent-to-be created a stir together with his feedback in regards to the Red Sox final week, when he mentioned they’ve among the greatest followers in baseball and he loves taking part in at Fenway Park. And whereas the Sox did deliberately stroll him as soon as throughout their final sequence, supervisor Alex Cora informed reporters within the Bronx that the Sox wouldn’t draw back from pitching to Judge.
“At one point he’s going to hit (No. 61), so we’re going to attack him the same way we’ve done the whole season,” Cora informed reporters.
“We’ll attack them and then the game will dictate what we do. I know probably if we walk him, I’ll get booed here. It’s not going to be the first time. It’s not going to be the last time, hopefully. But we’ll go and see what happens.”
Cora added, “And we’re trying to win games. We know where we’re at. It’s still Yankees-Red Sox and you come here — I didn’t come here for vacation over the weekend. … I’m not at the palace just to hang out. I’m here to put these guys in situations to be successful and we’re going to go about it the way we always do.”
Prime time
Bogaerts and Judge shall be combating off one another for a shot on the batting title, with each getting into the sequence tied for the lead with a .317 common.
Judge has by no means hit increased than .287, although Bogaerts’ profession excessive is .320 in 2015.
With Judge chasing historical past, MLB has ensured all 4 video games shall be nationally televised.
Thursday’s recreation was broadcasted on Fox whereas Friday’s recreation will be seen on Apple TV+, Saturday’s recreation will be seen on MLB Network nationally in addition to NESN domestically, and Sunday’s recreation shall be broadcasted on ESPN.
Source: www.bostonherald.com