Trevor Story in mid-July didn't shut the door on the possibility of returning to the Red Sox at some point this season.
Boston's brass isn't ruling it out either.
Craig Breslow was encouraged by Story's remarks, as the chief baseball officer took them as a sign of the star shortstop "feeling good" and being content with the pace of his rehab. Alex Cora recently was able to watch Story at work, and while the Red Sox manager isn't leaning one way or the other on a potential return, he can't help but be enthused about the two-time All-Star's progress.
"I saw Trevor (hitting) soft toss on Wednesday, and I was impressed," Cora told reporters in Texas, per The Athletic. "The swing looks normal. Now it's about building up. I don't know what's next with him, but don't get surprised if he's doing soft toss now and starts taking BP and starts building up. I don't know, man. I'm excited about where we're at, to be honest with you."
The Red Sox probably should operate with the mindset that Story will be unavailable for the remainder of the campaign. But if the 31-year-old is able to rejoin the club down the stretch and/or in the playoffs, it would be an enormous boost for a team that's competing with rivals richer in star power.
But in the meantime, Story will support Boston from the sideline as it tries to defy the odds and secure a postseason spot.
