Trevor Story shares ‘best case’ and ‘worst case’ timelines for return from injury
On Tuesday, Red Sox second baseman Trevor Story gave an update on when he expects to return to play after undergoing elbow surgery.
BOSTON, MA – MAY 28: Trevor Story #10 of the Boston Red Sox makes a throw to first base in the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on May 28, 2022 during game two of a double header in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
Kathryn Riley/Getty ImagesIt's no secret the Red Sox will begin their 2023 season without infielder Trevor Story, who underwent UCL surgery in his right elbow back in early January. Since that time, the team hasn't given an official timetable for his return. On Tuesday, as the team began reporting to Fort Myers (including Story, who is there to begin his rehab), the 30-year-old spoke about what he believes his timetable looks like.
"I think best case, I’m back at some point in the second half and worst case, I don’t play this year," Story said via Chris Cotillo of MassLive. "But I feel really good about the first one," Story added.
"We’ve heard anywhere from four months to 8-10 months," Story continued, reflecting on the fact that he's never been through a major injury recovery process like this. "It just kind of depends on, each player is different, each guy responds a little differently in their body. We’re really just going to take it with how it comes. And like I said, I’m planning on coming back and that’s the goal for me and I think that’s best case scenario.”
After signing a six-year, $140 million contract with the Red Sox last spring, Story slashed .238/.303/.434 in his first season in Boston, with 16 home runs and 66 runs driven in in 94 games. He also completed the move to second base, after playing shortstop exclusively during his first six MLB seasons with the Colorado Rockies.
With Story out, the Red Sox will need to fill his spot at second base - at least for the first half of the season. When speaking to reporters on Tuesday, chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom acknowledged the team is still looking to add infield depth via free agency before the season starts.
So far this offseason the Red Sox have already made one move to bolster their infield depth, acquiring Adalberto Mondesi in a trade with the Kansas City Royals. However, Mondesi also may not be ready to start the season as he works his way back from a torn ACL he suffered late last April. Bloom told reporters on Tuesday he "wouldn't bet on" Mondesi being ready for Opening Day, adding the team was aware of that fact when they traded for him.
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.
