Red Sox avoid worst-case scenario with Trevor Story injury

The Boston Red Sox were holding their breath on the x-ray results from Trevor Story’s hand but they avoided the worst-case scenario.

With 11 players on the injured list already, Tuesday’s game against the Rays felt like the universe was piling on the Boston Red Sox.

Second baseman Trevor Story took a baseball to the top of his hand during an at-bat while Matt Strahm also took a line drive to his wrist.

Both players headed to the hospital to get x-rays while the whole of Boston prayed for good news. And it came.

Red Sox avoid worst-case scenario with Trevor Story injury

The Red Sox announced on Wednesday that x-rays for Story and Strahm came back negative.

Story may still face some time out with a right hand contusion but with nothing broken, he shouldn’t miss extensive time.

The injury happened in the fifth inning when he took a swing at a sinker. The ball hit the top of his hand and he immediately needed attention from trainers. He was replaced by Jeter Downs to finish the at-bat.

Strahm was hit in the sixth while his errant throw after the blow allowed the Rays to tie the game.

Tampa Bay went on to take the victory as the Red Sox bemoaned wasting Chris Sale’s return to the mound. He pitched five scoreless innings, allowing three hits and striking out five.

Boston is battling for a playoff spot but their injury troubles are a definite hindrance. Getting Sale back is a big boost but they’re still missing pitchers Rich Hill, Michael Wacha, Nathan Eovaldi and Garrett Whitlock. Position players Enrique Hernadez, Christian Arroyo and Kevin Plawecki are on the IL right now as well.

The Red Sox continue their series against the Rays on Wednesday night. It’s not clear if Story will take part but the negative x-ray will at least give him the chance.