Red Sox re-sign infielder as Trevor Story heads to IL
The Red Sox signed infielder Yu Chang on Thursday, and placed Trevor Story on the 60-day IL to open up a roster spot.
BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 17: Shortstop Yu Chang #12 of the Boston Red Sox throws out Bobby Witt Jr. #7 of the Kansas City Royals during the third inning at Fenway Park on September 17, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Winslow Townson/Getty ImagesA day after saying he doesn't expect to be back until the second half of the season, Trevor Story was officially placed on the 60-day IL by the Red Sox on Thursday. Story is still working his way back from UCL surgery on his right (throwing) elbow in January.
The move did open up a roster spot for the Red Sox, which they filled by re-signing infielder Yu Chang to a one-year Major League contract worth $850K plus performance bonuses. Chris Cotillo of MassLive was the first to report the deal as well as Story's IL placement.
Chang, 27, spent the final month of last year's season with the Red Sox after being claimed off waivers from the Rays in early September. Appearing in 11 games, he hit .150 while playing mostly shortstop and second base.
In total Chang played for four teams last year - the Red Sox, Rays, Pirates, and Guardians. In 69 total games he slashed .208/.289/.315 with six doubles, four home runs, and 15 runs driven in. Chang began his career with Cleveland, where he played his first three seasons starting in 2019.
By bringing Chang back, the Red Sox added some much-needed infield depth - something Chaim Bloom said the team was looking to do when he talked to reporters on Tuesday. Not only will Story be out for a significant stretch, but shortstop Adelberto Mondesi is expected to miss the start of the season as he continues to recover from a torn ACL he suffered last April.
With Opening Day just a month and a half away, Kiké Hernández and Christian Arroyo figure to make up the initial middle infield pair for the Red Sox. Prospects like Emmanuel Valdez and David Hamilton, as well as non-roster invitees like Niko Goodrum and Ryan Fitzgerald will compete in camp for bench spots behind that pair, along with Chang.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
