Story activated, ready to help Sox: ‘It’s time to go’.

BOSTON  After Trevor Story fractured his left shoulder during a diving play in Anaheim on April 5 and underwent surgery shortly thereafter, it was generally believed that his season was done. However, through an exceptional work ethic during his rehabilitation, Story defied expectations and was ultimately rewarded with.

BOSTON  When Trevor Story fractured his left shoulder while diving for a play in Anaheim on April 5 and underwent surgery shortly after, many assumed his season was over. However, Story defied expectations through his rigorous rehab and was rewarded on Saturday when the Red Sox activated him from the 60-day injured list and placed him in the seventh spot in the lineup.

“Yeah, it’s really exciting,” Story said. “We didn’t think this day would come so soon, so it’s truly a blessing to be in this position. It’s a personal victory just to return this year and get some games in. I’m thrilled to be back with the team and to play in meaningful games.”

Story will aim to boost the Red Sox’s postseason hopes, which have been jeopardized by a challenging two-week period.

The Red Sox are welcoming back their veteran leader, Trevor Story, for the final 21 games of the season. As of today, Boston is trailing the Twins by five games for the third American League Wild Card spot and the Royals by 5 1/2 games.

“Yeah, that’s a big part of it,” Story said. “We wouldn’t put my health at risk. We’re being responsible about it, but given our situation, it’s time to go. We really don’t have much time left.”

Story was activated after completing a four-game rehab assignment in the Minor Leagues, ending with a 4-for-5 performance for Triple-A Worcester on Thursday.

Given the extended time Story has been out, Red Sox manager Alex Cora has tempered expectations for the right-handed hitter’s performance at the plate. Nonetheless, Story has been preparing intensively, including several weeks of hitting against the Traject machine, which mimics the pitches of Major League pitchers.

At the start of the season, the Red Sox were excited to have Trevor Story fully healthy again, especially after he played only 43 games in 2023 due to right elbow surgery he had during the previous offseason.

The excitement over Trevor Story’s return was quickly dampened when he suffered a glenoid fracture and a torn labrum after landing hard on his non-throwing shoulder. Initially, the recovery timeline was set at six months, but Story managed to come back just over the five-month mark.

“I still remember that game in Anaheim, and then a few days later when they told us the diagnosis, it felt like a long shot,” said Cora. “I think going to California for rehab—nothing against our guys here—but getting away from the daily grind in Boston really helped him. It seemed to clear his mind.”

In mid-summer, Story showed his determination by sending Cora videos of Kyle Schwarber playing in the 2016 World Series for the Cubs, just six months after tearing his ACL.

“I was like, ‘Oh, yeah,’ but inside I was thinking, ‘No chance,’” Cora admitted. “Then we talked in Colorado [in July], and now he’s ready to go.”

Cora is optimistic that Story, an elite shortstop, can immediately bolster a middle-infield defense that has struggled this season.

“I don’t know what to expect offensively, but we believe he’s physically in a good place and will contribute defensively,” said Cora.

Story, a nine-year veteran, has appeared in 890 career games, with a .265/.332/.502 slash line, 177 home runs, 534 RBIs, and 124 stolen bases.

With Story’s return, Ceddanne Rafaela is expected to take on the majority of the second base duties for the remainder of the season. Rafaela has been a versatile player for the Red Sox this year, starting 70 games at shortstop and 61 in center field. He has played six games at second base this season, with his only career start there being in 2023.

Before missing 132 games, Story had a .226/.294/.323 slash line, with three doubles and four RBIs in eight games.

Mickey Gasper, who went 0-for-12 in 10 games since his call-up on August 12, has been optioned to Triple-A Worcester. The 28-year-old, originally from Merrimack, N.H., and a Bryant College alum from Smithfield, R.I., had spent six seasons in the Minor Leagues before making his Major League debut.