Red Sox’s Trevor Story Explains Emotions Ahead Of Long-Awaited Return Game

The long-awaited, five-month-long wait for Trevor Story finally came to to an end as the 31-year-old was reinstated and placed in the lineup for the Boston Red Sox on Saturday night to continue their three-game series with the Chicago White Sox.

Story suffered a dislocated shoulder and fractured glenoid rim while diving across his body to make a defensive stop at shortstop on April 5 against the Los Angeles Angels. It seemed as though Story's injury was season-ending, however, after a patient and tedious recovery process coupled with the two-time All-Star's determination to contribute before the end of Boston's run, Story found himself back in the lineup with 21 games left to go.

"It's really exciting. We didn't think this day would be possible this soon," Story said Saturday, per MassLive's Christopher Smith. "So it truly is a blessing that I'm even in this situation. It's a big win for me personally just to come back this year and get some games under my belt. So excited about that and just pumped about joining the team and playing some games that matter."

It's been a bumpy road ever since Story signed his six-year, $140 million contract to become a member of the Red Sox in March 2022. Story played just 43 games last season due to a torn right UCL, and logged 94 appearances during his debut campaign with the Red Sox after suffering a fractured wrist. Yet, Story's prided himself in living up to the big-dollar contract that brought him to Boston. In the offseason, Story hosted an offseason camp to bond with the team's young up-and-comers months ahead of Opening Day. Recognizing the Red Sox are still in a (dicey) fight for a playoff spot, sitting five 1/2 games behind the Minnesota Twins for the final American League wild card spot, Story isn't ready to look ahead toward 2025 just yet.

"Honestly, the baseball side of it is great. That's awesome for us, but he's ready to go," Red Sox manager Alex Cora said pregame, per ESPN. "Physically, we feel he's in a good spot. ... But I think going to California for his rehab, disconnecting from the day-in, day-out here helped him."

Story will hit seventh as Boston faces Chicago left-hander Garrett Crochet.