Trevor Story injury a major blow to Red Sox (Video)
Another Trevor Story injury has hit the Red Sox. And that could be very bad news for a team that is counting on him heavily this year.
With one out and the Red Sox holding a 4-0 lead in the fourth inning of the Red Sox’ eventual 8-6 win against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Friday night, Angels outfielder Mike Trout whistled a hard one-hopper to the left side that sent Story diving to his right into the hole at shortstop. A diving Story gloved the ball but, with his left arm fully extended, absorbed much of the weight on his shoulder and immediately began writhing and kicking in pain.
You see Story’s injury in this video, which has been edited from the NESN broadcast:
Red Sox trainers joined Alex Cora on the field and immediately tended to Story, who was promptly removed from the game in favor of backup Pablo Reyes. Story spoke with reporters after the game and is scheduled for an MRI, the results of which will have significant implications on the Red Sox season.
“Obviously did something to the shoulder there. Pretty painful,” Story told reporters. “We didn’t get images yet. So we’ll have that (Saturday). I’m not trying to put any words on it yet because we don’t know for sure. So yeah, painful. Just kind of landed on the body weight on the shoulder there.”
Added the player: “We’re refraining from kind of diagnosing it right now until we get more information.”
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 05: Trevor Story #10 of the Boston Red Sox winces as he walks from the field after being injured going after a ball hit by Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels in the fourth inning during opening day of a Major League Baseball game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 5, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
Losing Story would be a sizable blow for the Red Sox, who have placed much of their hopes this season on improved defense. Entering Saturday, with Story having played virtually the entire season at shortstop, the Red Sox are tied for fifth in defensive runs saved at shortstop.
Story, of course, was injured for much of last year after requiring a procedure on his right (throwing) elbow during the offseason. He was signed to a six-year, $140-million contract to replace Xander Bogaerts at shortstop. Story agreed to play second base in 2022 as Bogaerts played out the final year of his contract with the Red Sox.
During the offseason, Red Sox part owner Tom Werner told reporters that team analysts believed the Red Sox would have won eight or nine more games last season had they played representative defense. The team was banking on Story to be a significant part of that upgrade in 2024. Story’s injury will now put at least a temporary kink in that plan.
