Boston — Trevor Story received the second pitch of Saturday’s game at Fenway Park, and the Red Sox’s returning shortstop didn’t waste any time in gathering it and firing to first for an out.

It was widely believed that Story’s season was gone after he broke his left shoulder during a dive attempt in Anaheim on April 5 and underwent surgery a few days later.

Despite the challenges, Story persevered and worked hard during his rehabilitation. On Saturday, the Red Sox reinstated him from the 60-day injured list, placing the shortstop in the seventh position in the lineup. Story made a welcome comeback, playing a key defensive role and contributing an RBI bloop single to his team’s 7-5 victory over the White Sox.

With two home runs in his first at-bat, Tyler O’Neill was the offensive star, but Story settled down right away after the second pitch. “Definitely,” Story responded when asked if she felt privileged to make a quick contribution. You know, that’s just the way it goes.

Baseball is played. It was good to get that first one out of the way, but the ball will find you. It seemed like a hectic night to me. Feeling everything for the first time again was wonderful. The evening was enjoyable.

Story initiated two double plays and fielded all seven of his opportunities with precision. His teammates, especially starting pitcher Cooper Criswell, who pitched to contact and won in five innings, felt his experience. Criswell remarked, “I think every other teammate sees that he’s confident in himself and it helps their confidence out there on defense.

That’s just the way he carries himself.” “Well, it’s great to have him back,” I’m sure it boosted my self-assurance. If a ground ball is hit to him, there’s a strong likelihood that it will be an out.”

After the Red Sox won two straight games against the White Sox and the Twins lost two straight games against the Royals, the team’s hopes of making the playoffs were severely damaged. Story will attempt to help the Sox turn things around.

After Kansas City’s victory over Minnesota on Saturday night, the Red Sox trail the Twins by four games for the third American League Wild Card berth and the Royals by five and a half games with 20 games remaining in the season.

That’s a significant portion of it, Story admitted. “We would never endanger my health or well-being. We’re handling it responsibly. However, a lot of it is related to our current situation. It’s time to leave. There’s not much time left, actually.”

Following a four-game Minor League rehab assignment, which he finished on Thursday with a 4-for-5 performance for Triple-A Worcester, the 31-year-old was activated.

Following a four-game Minor League rehab assignment, which he finished on Thursday with a 4-for-5 performance for Triple-A Worcester, the 31-year-old was activated. Red Sox manager Alex Cora has minimal expectations for the right-handed hitter at the plate given how many months Story has missed.

The Red Sox were relieved to finally have Story back to full health as the season got underway. Story had missed only 43 games in 2023 because of surgery on his right elbow over the previous winter.

Subsequently, there was an instant deflation as Story sustained a glenoid fracture and a ruptured labrum after landing hard on his non-throwing shoulder. A six-month return period was specified. The story returned just a little bit after five months. “I recall that game in Anaheim, and when they revealed it a few days later, I thought there was no chance,” Cora remarked.”

I believe that coming to California for treatment—no offense to our local guys—and simply removing himself from the routine of his daily life in Boston was beneficial to him. That seems to have calmed him down.

It was difficult to ignore the memory of Story’s emotional press conference in the same location on April 9, when it had just been revealed that he was undergoing major surgery, as he presided over the clubhouse after Saturday’s victory.

Story remarked, “We didn’t think I would be here at this point.” “It seems like a very long time ago that I was answering questions about my season-ending injury.” I’m incredibly appreciative of the chance to perform it [again].”

This was Story’s first game at Fenway in ’24, having been injured on the season’s opening road trip. “Yes, it was excellent,” Story replied. The best baseball fans there are. And the greatest spot to play. Just experiencing that energy, then.

Throughout the season, I can feel it while I’m in the dugout watching the lads, but I’ll never take playing outside for granted since there’s nothing like it. And sure, I’m eager to see a lot more of that.

Red Sox veteran: “I’ve been freaking so bad” following a two-home run game.

Boston’s Rob Refsnyder had a four-hit game on August 3 before going into a protracted slump. In 24 games since August 4, he had a.176 batting average (12-for-68), a.222 on-base percentage, and a.265 slugging percentage going into Monday.

However, in the Red Sox’s 12-3 triumph over the Orioles at Fenway Park, the veteran turned things around.

It’s been a struggle since I’ve been freaking so awful, Refsnyder remarked. “There have been a lot of frustrating evenings.”

Refsnyder had four hits, including two home runs, in his five at-bats. Five RBIs was a career high for him.

He remarked, “A lot of people behind the scenes have been helping me.”

In the third inning, Refsnyder hit a two-run home ball to center field that traveled 412 feet and 107.1 mph off the bat. The Red Sox now lead 3-1 as a result.

Refsnyder said, “Muchkus to the hitting department.” They “spent innumerable hours trying to figure out some stuff and help me.” So to sort of break through felt very, really amazing. Yes, it has been really annoying. In addition, Jarren Duran has been supporting me in the background by encouraging me and doing other such things. Thus, several of my teammates have been encouraging me.

As per Refsnyder, Duran is proficient in his swing.

Refsnyder remarked, “I’ve known Jarren the longest out of all these guys,” and mentioned that he and Duran were teammates at Triple-A Worcester. He’s obviously witnessed my horrible, really fantastic swing. He then kind of drew me aside and began to chat about what he was observing. Just some advice and similar stuff. But only making an effort to maintain a cheerful attitude in me. You will be defeated by this game. Jarren is one of our leaders. And, of course, Raffy (Devers). Thus, having someone like Jarren to motivate me was wonderful.

Pitchers, according to Refsnyder, have been hitting him with fastballs up in the zone and low-and-away changeups.

Refsnyder remarked, “so really just trying to be in that position to cover both.” “Many posture-related issues.”

This year, the Red Sox have had trouble facing lefties. They faced left-handed starters from 16 to 24, but they took advantage of Orioles southpaw Cade Povich, who gave up four runs in four and a half innings.

Batting third, Refsnyder singled off Povich in the first inning before hitting a home run in the third. In the fifth inning against Povich, he drew a walk.

“I think you should start with me if you want to look at us not hitting lefties well the past couple of weeks,” Refsnyder remarked. “I didn’t do a very good job of arriving on base or performing my duties. I’ve therefore taken it quite hard. Though I haven’t experienced the desired feelings or outcomes, I still really want it. I haven’t been able to get on base, so I feel like we kind of stopped out. Therefore, doing my job tonight felt terrific. I feel like it all began when I scored a run against a lefty. That’s the reason I’m here. Thus, I’m really proud of it.