The Boston Red Sox secured a 4-2 victory over the Miami Marlins on Tuesday afternoon, relying on contributions from several players who have spent time bouncing between the major league roster and Triple-A Worcester.
Mickey Gasper, Anthony Siegler and Nick Sogard each accounted for one of the team’s three key runs in the win. All three have experienced the ups and downs of moving between the big leagues and the minors this season.
While those players delivered at Fenway Park, several of the Red Sox’s regular starters remained on rehab assignments with the Worcester WooSox. Shortstop Trevor Story is among them, and his return appears imminent.
Story started his seventh rehab game Tuesday after undergoing sports-hernia surgery in May. The 33-year-old has been working his way back into form at the Triple-A level.
According to beat writer Christopher Smith, Story faces a re-evaluation following Tuesday’s contest. Expectations point to a possible return to the Red Sox as soon as Wednesday against the Marlins or Friday when the team faces the New York Yankees.
“Trevor Story will be re-evaluated after Tuesday’s rehab game with the potential of joining the Red Sox in Miami on Wednesday or New York on Friday, per He’s 4-for-21 in 6 games with the WooSox. 5 K. 0 BB.”
Another report reinforced the timeline for the veteran shortstop.
“Trevor Story could join the Red Sox as soon as Wednesday, per [@jcmccaffrey].”
Before the injury sidelined him, Story posted a .206 batting average with a .244 on-base percentage and .303 slugging percentage across 41 games. He also recorded 57 strikeouts during that stretch.
His potential return could affect the roster status of utility player Mickey Gasper. Gasper has hit .270 with a .350 on-base percentage and .421 slugging mark while striking out just 22 times in the same number of games Story played before the injury.
In his most recent seven major league contests, Gasper has been even hotter, batting .421 with a .560 on-base percentage and 1.053 slugging percentage while driving in 10 runs. Meanwhile, Story has gone 4-for-21 over six games in Worcester.
The WooSox lineup on Tuesday featured a heavy contingent of major league talent. Three Boston players on rehab assignments joined two others who have seen big league time this year.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa led off at second base, followed by Roman Anthony in left field. Story manned shortstop, with Romy Gonzalez at first base and Nate Eaton in center field. Top prospect Franklin Arias served as the designated hitter, batting sixth. Kristian Campbell played right field, Vinny Capra held down third base and Nate Baez caught. Jedixson Páez started on the mound.
Roman Anthony and Isiah Kiner-Falefa are also progressing through their own rehab programs. Both are scheduled for re-evaluation on Thursday, though Kiner-Falefa’s path back to the majors remains a bit more flexible depending on how he responds.
Once Story, Anthony and Kiner-Falefa are cleared to rejoin the Red Sox, the club will face decisions on corresponding roster moves. Those changes are expected to involve players such as Mickey Gasper, Anthony Siegler, Nick Sogard or Eli White.
Story’s impending arrival would add experience to a middle infield that has seen various combinations this season. The Red Sox have navigated injuries and performance fluctuations while staying competitive in the American League East.
Fans at Fenway and those following the team on the road will watch closely to see when the veteran shortstop steps back into a Boston uniform. His presence could stabilize the defense and provide another bat in a lineup that has leaned on contributions from unexpected sources lately.
The timing of the returns for Story and the other rehabbing players will shape the roster for the stretch run. With games against Miami and then New York on the horizon, the Red Sox appear poised to regain some of their regulars in the coming days.
