Trevor Story originally watched his season slip away in April when the Boston Red Sox shortstop injured his shoulder on the road against the Los Angeles Angels.
Instead, Story found progress after the All-Star break and did indeed find a way to return to the Red Sox to help in any way he could to help Boston through the playoff push in a winnable American League.
His elite defense at shortstop boosts the infield while allowing another top defender in Ceddanne Rafaela to patrol center field. His leadership and defense are tools the Red Sox can put to use, which stood out to chief baseball officer Craig Breslow.
"I think there's the physical impact that he has on the team to be able to put his name in the lineup at shortstop every day," Breslow told Tom Caron during NESN's pregame coverage. "He has a very stabilizing, calming effect on the rest of the group."
Breslow continued: "I think there's the emotional (impact) that he provides. He was a guy who in spring training emerged as a leader, I think vocally and in the work ethic and the way he prepared every day. To demonstrate the willingness, the commitment to the team to get back on the field when most thought he was done for the season and has an impact on the rest of the group."
Story, who gets a night off Tuesday against the Baltimore Orioles, will remain a major factor if the Red Sox are able to vault themselves back into contention with under 20 games remaining.
