Red Sox Notes: ‘Quarterback’ Trevor Story Welcomed Back With Open Arms

The Boston Red Sox needed to build momentum off their series-opening win over the Chicago White Sox, and that's exactly what the team found while welcoming back shortstop Trevor Story.

Story returned from a five-month-long absence after suffering a dislocated shoulder on April 5, and got right to work when taking the field at his rightful place in Boston's infield. On the second pitch of the night, Chicago's Nicky Lopez batted a grounder to Story, which the two-time All-Star fielded cleanly.

"He's the quarterback," Red Sox manager Alex Cora said after Boston's 7-5 victory, per Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald. "That's what we envisioned this offseason."

It was a long-awaited uphill battle for Story, who hasn't played a full healthy season in Boston since signing a six-year, $140 million contract in 2022. The 31-year-old invested in his leadership role with the team long before Opening Day, starting in the winter when Story hosted a training camp and welcomed members of the team to bond and get some offseason work in. Story's return, which seemed improbable months ago, speaks volumes to the veteran's work ethic and determination to contribute and make a difference, regardless of how many games (20) are left in the season.

The re-addition of Story to the lineup provides the Red Sox with some much-needed defensive stability in the infield, while adding an experienced right-handed bat at just the right time. Boston, although working against the clock, remains in the hunt for a last-minute postseason spot before the bracket is officially set. Having a re-energized Story out on the diamond can only help that effort moving forward.

"We didn’t even think I would be here at this point, and it feels like forever ago that I was kind of here fielding questions about having a season-ending injury, so just so grateful for the opportunity to do it," Story said, per Starr. "It was great. The best fans in baseball, the best place to play, too. So just feeling that energy; I feel it when I'm in the dugout watching the boys over the season, but there’s nothing like being out there and playing, so I’ll never take that for granted."

Story finished his first game back 1-for-4 at the plate with a single to score Boston's sixth run of the night.

"It was nice to get that first one out of the way," Story said, per Starr. "I felt like it was a busy night."

Here are more notes from Saturday night's White Sox-Red Sox game:

-- Tyler O'Neill reached 27 home runs on the season, notching his sixth multi-home run performance in a Red Sox uniform. The seven-year veteran went 3-for-4 with two round-trippers and three RBIs, currently sitting second for the club's lead in homers in 2024, trailing third baseman Rafael Devers (28).

-- The Red Sox promoted pitcher Richard Fitts, who was acquired in part of the Alex Verdugo trade with the New York Yankees this past offseason from Triple-A Worcester, per MassLive's Christopher Smith and Starr. Fitts, 24, could make his MLB debut with no starter currently scheduled to take the mound Sunday.

-- Boston entered Saturday night's matchup with Chicago averaging 2.7 runs with a .206 batting average, 125 strikeouts and 28 walks through its previous 14 games. The seven-run total was the most recorded by the Red Sox since Aug. 30 (also seven).

-- Standings update: Boston gained some ground in the American League wild card standings, now trailing the Minnesota Twins by four games for the final postseason spot with 20 games left scheduled in the regular season.

-- Boston and Chicago will wrap up their three-game series in a Sunday afternoon finale. First pitch from Fenway Park is set for 1:35 p.m. ET, and you can watch the game, plus an hour of pregame coverage, live on NESN.