Trevor Story has missed over three months after sports hernia surgery, but started a rehab assignment on Sunday.
Story was with Triple-A Worcester, starting at shortstop and hitting second. With Story there to get work at shortstop, the Red Sox's top prospect Franklin Arias was the designated hitter. Arias was recently promoted to Triple-A and is seen as the Red Sox's future at shortstop.
"Excited to see him play," Story said after the game, per WooSox insider Tommy Cassell. "He's buzzing around the league right now, and guys are taking note and he's a special player and special talent. So, it's cool to get eyes on him, you can tell he's going to be really good for a long time. I'm excited to spend more time with him and talk ball.”
Arias hit leadoff in his 18th Triple-A game. He and Story did not get to share the infield, but Arias has made four starts at second base since being promoted, so he and Story will likely share the middle of the infield at some point.
Looking further ahead, Arias could eventually replace Story in the big leagues. He is working his way back to help the club this year, but he was not playing well before his injury, and the team could look to move him and his hefty contract in the offseason. He is owed $25 million next season, and if Arias is ready, the Red Sox would likely want to dump Story.
The addition of Curtis Mead at second base pretty much ends any chance of Story moving over there when Arias is called up. Story could come back from his injury and look great, which would certainly leave the Red Sox with some difficult decisions.
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