Alex Cora Offers Updates On Trevor Story, Slew Of Red Sox Injuries

Red Sox manager Alex Cora offered updates on a number of injured players, including Trevor Story, prior to Monday night's clash with the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Cora told reporters over the weekend that Story began hitting soft toss last week and said the star shortstop is now hitting overhand throws.

"In his words, he's like, 'That's close to BP,'" Cora told reporters during his pregame press conference in Kansas City. "He's excited about it. I never thought we would get to this point. I'm excited obviously. Not 100% that it's going to happen (that Story returns this season), but the fact that he is doing everything possible to make it happen is great. He's moving well. His swing looks great."

Cora added: "Obviously, there's a lot of stuff that we need to do before this becomes a reality. We've seen in the past, the timing part of it and the repetitions. But, body-wise, is the difference between these guys now compared to the past? They've been doing their regular work for a long, long time and now it's just the swinging."

Story played just a handful of games this season before undergoing shoulder surgery in April. However, Cora believes it will be less of an acclimation for Story to return this season.

"He made some adjustments in the offseason, so timing-wise, it's going to be a lot easier this year compared to last year," Cora said. "Last year, he was just off offensively, chasing a lot of pitches, and now, with the foundation that he has, we do believe he's going to be in a better place either this year or next year. But, so far, so good."

The Red Sox have just less than a third remaining in their 2024 season, meaning the slew of injured players are working against the clock for their respective returns to the team.

Here's what Cora had to offer on several other injured Red Sox players:

Outfielder Tyler O'Neill
O'Neill missed the last two games against the Texas Rangers due to illness and will sit out again in the Red Sox's series opener against the Royals.

"Feeling better but not great," Cora said. "Still available, but not starting. Hopefully, he's a full go on Wednesday, but we'll see how it goes."

Relief pitcher Chris Martin
Martin was put on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation on July 4. He did not initially travel with the Red Sox but is slated to join the team in Kansas City on Monday. Cora said if Martin was ready to pitch, he would be activated on Wednesday; if not, he would be sent to Triple-A Worcester for a rehab assignment.

Relief pitcher Liam Hendriks
Hendriks is scheduled to throw another bullpen session of 10-15 pitches on Tuesday as he continues to work his way back from Tommy John Surgery last August. The 35-year-old began throwing off the mound in late June and recently told NESN's Tom Caron he looks to be back for the Red Sox sometime this month.

Infielders Triston Casas and Vaughn Grissom will continue their rehab assignments with the WooSox this week.