As veteran shortstop Trevor Story was working his way back to the Boston Red Sox lineup after missing more than three months after undergoing sports hernia surgery in May, there was a general panic among the Boston fanbase about what the 33-year-old could provide to the lineup. However, in 10 games since his return on Aug. 30, Story has been one of Boston’s best hitters. 

Prior to landing on the injured list on May 16, Story had been struggling mightily at the plate, hitting just .206/.244/.303/.547 with a weighted runs created plus (wRC+) of 46, which ranked 167th out of 171 qualified batters. Story’s struggles continued upon his return to game action as he went just 6-for-35 with only one extra-base hit while striking out 30.5 percent of the time during a 10-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester. 

Story’s struggles were only amplified as the Red Sox top prospect, shortstop Franklin Arias, continued to swing a hot bat in Triple-A, seemingly knocking down the door to the big leagues, an idea that Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow left the door open for during his post-trade deadline media availability. 

However, with the impending lockout and Story under contract through 2027, the team was always going to give the veteran clubhouse leader the first crack at reclaiming his position before potentially cutting ties. With Arias continuing to emerge as one of the game’s best prospects, the pressure was on Story to immediately perform, and thus far he’s passed that test with flying colors. 

In 10 games since returning to the lineup, Story has been among Boston’s best hitters, posting a slash line of .341/.341/.463/.804 with five doubles and four RBI, providing a number of key swings, including a walk-off knock against the Seattle Mariners on Aug. 31. In addition to his strong play with the bat, Story has provided much better defense at the shortstop position than what utility man Andruw Monasterio had given the team in his stead. 

However, it hasn’t all been perfect for Story since his return. He still sports a 29.2 percent strikeout rate and is still looking for his first walk since returning to the lineup. The 33-year-old has also struggled making what should be routine throws to first base, oftentimes choosing to make throws on the run rather than planting and throwing to make up for his 17th percentile arm strength. 

Still, though, Story has far exceeded expectations for his return and has been one of the only players producing in a Red Sox lineup that has struggled in recent weeks. 

After a grueling stretch that saw them play 14 games in 13 days, the Red Sox have a much-needed off day on Thursday before wrapping up the penultimate homestand of the season with a three-game set against the Kansas City Royals that gets underway on Friday night. Sonny Gray (17-4, 2.69 ERA) will get the start for Boston in the series opener opposite Seth Lugo (6-8, 5.04 ERA) for Kansas City. First pitch from Fenway Park is set for 7:10 p.m. ET.