The Red Sox regular season is nearing the end, but they could get a boost with a star batter's return to the lineup.

Trevor Story was placed on the 60-day injured list in April after undergoing shoulder surgery. It was expected that the All-Star shortstop would miss the rest of the campaign, but the 31-year-old last month hinted at the possibility of returning this season. Manager Alex Cora backed that optimism, and it seems like it might be possible for Story to return to help Boston in its playoff hunt.

"He continues to make a ton of progress and just being around him in the clubhouse, there's a different attitude that he's taking every day," Breslow said on "The Greg Hill Show" on Thursday, per WEEI. "He's excited to go in and field. Liam (Hendriks) is on track to return sooner, but there's a real strong chance that Trevor is putting on a Red Sox uniform and helping us at some point."

Hendriks first appeared for Triple-A Worcester last Sunday, but Story hasn't appeared in a game setting yet this month. However, the growing optimism from Breslow and Cora might mean Red Sox fans will be able to see Story begin rehab assignments with the top prospects over in Worcester.

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