Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story is sitting out the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox lineup Thursday as he continues his recovery from sports hernia surgery.
MassLive’s Chris Cotillo reported the development, noting that utility infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa will start at shortstop instead for the WooSox.
“Trevor Story not playing for WooSox tonight. Isiah Kiner-Falefa playing shortstop,” Cotillo posted.
Story has been on a rehab assignment with Worcester this week while working his way back from the procedure he underwent May 22. He has not played for the major league club since May.
The veteran’s offensive numbers this season have been limited. In 44 games before the injury, he hit .206 with a .244 on-base percentage and .303 slugging percentage, along with three home runs. His weighted runs created plus of 46 ranked among the lower marks for players with at least 170 plate appearances.
Story remains under contract for two more seasons on the six-year, $140 million deal he signed with Boston. Injuries have limited his availability throughout that agreement.
Earlier reports had pointed to Aug. 21 as a possible target date for Story’s return to the Red Sox active roster. That timeline appears unlikely given the latest update.
Cotillo provided further details on the absence from Wednesday’s game.
“Trevor Story is off for a scheduled recovery day today and will be back in the WooSox lineup in Syracuse — not active in Boston — tomorrow night, per source,” he wrote.
No specific date has been set for Story’s activation from the 60-day injured list. The Red Sox open a series against the San Francisco Giants soon, but his return during that set does not appear imminent.
Because Story is on the 60-day injured list, his activation will require a spot on the 40-man roster. Boston currently has three openings there, so no corresponding roster moves would be required beyond the active roster itself.
Outfielder Roman Anthony and Kiner-Falefa are also progressing through their own recoveries from the 60-day list. The club will face decisions once all three are ready to rejoin the major league group.
Story has been away from the Red Sox for an extended stretch. While he was out, the team reached a low point of 32-46 on June 25. Boston has since gone 36-13 over its next 49 games.
Marcelo Mayer, who started the season as Story’s double-play partner, was traded to the Giants at the deadline in exchange for left-hander Erik Miller. Additional injuries have further reshaped the infield mix in recent weeks.
The Red Sox entered Thursday at 68-59 following a series victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. That record placed them in the second American League wild-card position.
Andruw Monasterio has handled the majority of shortstop duties in Story’s absence. The 29-year-old has posted a .261 batting average, .319 on-base percentage and .424 slugging percentage this season.
When Story, Anthony and Kiner-Falefa are all available, Boston will need to sort out its everyday alignments. One likely configuration would pair Story at shortstop with a second-base combination of Nick Sogard and Monasterio. Monasterio still has minor league options remaining, which could factor into any choice between him and Kiner-Falefa.
Story’s eventual return will test how the club balances experience, production and roster flexibility as it pushes through the final stretch of the regular season.
