Trevor Story’s long-awaited return to the Red Sox is officially happening this weekend, though fans will have to wait until Saturday at the earliest to see him back on the field. Our opening day middle infielder has been out with an extended injury, and the news dropped today, August 20, that he’s taking a scheduled recovery day. Tomorrow night, he’ll be in the WooSox lineup in Syracuse, not yet active in Boston. It’s a huge step!
The Shortstop Savior We Need
This is a massive boost for a squad that’s been grinding. Story brings solid, if unspectacular, defense at short, along with much-needed right-handed power and good baserunning. We’ve certainly been missing that spark! Remember Marcelo Mayer, the other half of our opening day middle infield? He was also recently sent to San Francisco, but he’s still working his way back from injury and probably won’t even see the field against the Giants this series. Speaking of the Giants, this weekend’s matchup is also going to be a wild reunion with former Red Sox World Series champion Rafael Devers. Story stepping back onto the diamond adds an incredible layer of excitement to what’s already a big series.
Pitching Pain and Bullpen Blues
While Story’s return helps the offense, the pitching staff has been absolutely limping towards the finish line. It feels like almost every single pitching staff in baseball in 2026 is totally gassed. Good thing our postseason spot is essentially locked down! This allows the coaching staff to shuffle things around, giving some arms a much-needed breather. Jake Bennett, for instance, won’t take the mound until Sunday, nine days after his last start. Chad Tray noted all of Bennett’s physical recovery numbers,force plate jumps, arm strength, dynamometer test,have been “great,” calling it “staying ahead of the game.”
But it’s not just the starters tiring out. Our bullpen, arguably the best relief corps in all of baseball this season, may actually be starting to show some cracks. We can’t afford that! The silver lining? Tanner Houck, our former Red Sox All-Star who’s been something of a forgotten man, has finally thrown to hitters as his rehab progresses! Chad Tracy is optimistic, saying we’re “getting close.” Throwing 25 pitches to hitters is a “good thing” and checking that box is a “big one,” especially since it’s been a while. Tracy added that Houck’s velocity was exactly where it needed to be, calling it a “really good step.”
So, mark your calendars for Saturday, folks! Story’s potential return could bring that critical jolt of energy, defense, and power to the lineup just as we square off against the Giants. With the pitching staff trying to catch its breath and the bullpen looking for a boost from Houck, every single player stepping up matters right now. This weekend is shaping up to be massive!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Over the Monster.
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