Red Sox can get Trevor Story back soon, but not in way they need him

Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story had elbow surgery back in January but revealed when he expects to return to the team this season.

The Boston Red Sox watched starting shortstop Xander Bogaerts leave for the San Diego Padres in free agency on a lucrative contract. As if that didn’t sting enough, the team learned that Trevor Story would require right elbow surgery to repair his UCL. With that, the team’s two top shortstop options were gone.

Story was always projected to return to the team this season, and now there may be a more firm timeline as to when the fans can expect him back in the batting order and on the field.

While speaking with reporters on Monday, Story said he expects to return as a designated hitter at some point in July. As for returning to the shortstop position, Story said his goal is to return to the shortstop by August.

Additionally, Story was spotted throwing from the shortstop position during practice on Monday. The video comes courtesy of the Boston Globe’s Alex Speier.

Trevor Story expects to return to the Red Sox lineup in July, as shortstop in August

Story was signed before the 2022 season, and it felt like the writing was on the wall that the Red Sox could be in danger of losing Bogaerts. Story primarily played second base while Bogaerts manned shortstop. Yet, Story dealt with injuries that year, including a hand contusion that knocked him out for over a month. Then, he suffered a left heel contusion that essentially ended his season.

In 94 games played, Story recorded a .238 batting average, a .303 on-base percentage, a .434 slugging percentage, 16 home runs, 53 runs scored, 66 RBI, and 85 hits.

With Story sidelined, the team had Enrique Hernandez fill in at shortstop for the majority of the season.

Red Sox fans will be checking for updates throughout the month o July to see when Story will make his 2023 debut.