The Boston Red Sox activated shortstop Trevor Story from the 60-day injured list prior to Saturday’s game against the Chicago White Sox.
Story’s return is certainly a surprise. He dislocated and fractured his left shoulder on April 5 while diving for a grounder against the Los Angeles Angels. He underwent surgery seven days later in a procedure that the team said was season ending.
But now Story is back with 21 games left in the season, just over five months after the injury. He is playing shortstop and batting seventh on Saturday.
In addition to the faster than anticipated recovery, another factor in Story wanting to return is that the Red Sox are still in the postseason mix. Boston sits five games behind the Minnesota Twins for the American League’s third wild-card berth entering Saturday.
“A lot of it has to do with where we’re at,” Story told reporters Saturday. “It’s time to go, you know, we don’t — we really don’t have much time left.”
Story, 31, batted .226 with four RBIs in eight games prior to the injury.
Ceddanne Rafaela, who had been filling in at shortstop for Story, moved to center field on Saturday.
The Red Sox signed Story to a six-year, $140 million contract in March 2022 but he has appeared in just 145 games over three seasons due to injuries.
In 2022, he was limited to 94 games due to a fractured wrist. Last season, he underwent right elbow surgery and played in just 43 games.
Overall, Story is batting .227 with 19 homers and 84 RBIs for Boston.
Story spent his first six seasons, including two All-Star campaigns, with the Colorado Rockies. In 745 games with the Rockies, he hit .272 with 158 home runs, 450 RBIs and 100 stolen bases.
Boston also optioned catcher Mickey Gasper to Triple-A Worcester. He was 0-for-12 in 10 games with the Red Sox.
Boston also recalled right-hander Isaiah Campbell (elbow) from Worcester and placed him on the 60-day IL to open up a 40-man roster spot for Story.