Boston Red Sox Star "Likely" to Begin Rehab Assignment This Week?

The Boston Red Sox have won eight of their last 10 games to move to just 1.5 games back in the American League wild card picture, and reinforcements are on the way soon.

The following update on injured infielder Trevor Story comes from the Rotowire fantasy baseball portal:

Red Sox manager Alex Cora indicated that the club will announce Tuesday when Story (elbow) will begin his minor-league rehab assignment, MLB.com reports.

ANALYSIS
By all indications, Story is on the verge of playing in games in the minors. The big questions now are when, where exactly and for how long? It's possible Story will have to work his way up the ladder in the minor leagues, and he could potentially need close to the full 20 days afforded to him on the rehab assignment. Story underwent an internal bracing procedure on his right elbow in January and the Red Sox need him to show he can throw well enough with that elbow to play in the field upon his return.

It will be interesting to see how everything comes together when Story comes back. First off, the Red Sox signed Story to a six-year contract before the 2022 season: He has to play and has to be afforded time to work through an adjustment period. At the same time, the Sox are looking to make the playoffs and can ill-afford to play someone who could encounter struggles as he re-integrates into the lineup.

Also, where will Story play? If he comes back as a shortstop, then that's fine and doesn't cause the Red Sox many issues. But if he comes back as a DH before he can throw fully, then that could throw the lineup out of alignment.

He hit .238 with 16 home runs and 66 RBIs last year for the Red Sox. He played in just 94 games a season ago with unrelated injuries.

The 30-year-old is a two-time All-Star who has received MVP votes in three different seasons. He's a lifetime .268 hitter with 174 home runs. He had played with the Colorado Rockies before signing in Boston.

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