Why Alex Cora Wants Struggling Red Sox Star To ‘Disconnect’

BOSTON — Red Sox manager Alex Cora doesn’t want Trevor Story to try to play through his struggles at the moment.

In fact, Cora wants the exact opposite to happen.

The veteran skipper decided to give Story a breather Sunday and put him on the bench for the series finale against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. It’s just the third time this month Story hasn’t been in the lineup and Cora didn’t rule out giving him a second consecutive day off to reset Monday when Boston opens up a three-game series in Milwaukee against the Brewers.

“Disconnecting today and maybe tomorrow and keep working,” Cora said. “It’s not lack of working. It’s been a lot. Maybe just kind of back up and watch the game from a different perspective. Not to think about the game plan or go out there and compete and just relax and clear your mind. Hopefully that benefits him.”

Story’s pronounced struggles are over a month long at this point. He’s batting .126 (14-for-111) with one home run, six RBIs and 39 strikeouts compared to six walks since April 22.

That’s a stark difference from the solid start Story got off to this season, which was much-needed after missing all but 26 games in 2024 due to a shoulder injury. Story hit .260 with five home runs and 16 RBIs while providing strong defense in the middle infield over the first month-plus of the campaign.

But it’s clear Story is searching in the batter’s box right now. The Red Sox are trying to help him find answers to his mighty woes, but they haven’t come for the 32-year-old shortstop.

“We know what’s going on. Just a matter of hopefully it happens in a game,” Cora said. “We’re working hard.”