Red Sox facing major infield shift after Trevor Story injury setback
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Red Sox facing major infield shift after Trevor Story injury setback originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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Trevor Story has been one of the Boston Red Sox’ worst hitters, and has also been one of the worst in the MLB. Now, the Sox have lost him temporarily as well, as he went down with a groin injury, putting him on the IL.
The injury has been listed as a sports hernia, and Story is actually considering surgery to fix it. This would put him out for months, and leave a gaping hole at shortstop. However, the Sox do have an easy replacement, and that would be a former top prospect on the big league roster, Marcelo Mayer.
Mayer has shown progress this season
© Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Last season, it seemed like Mayer was a little shaky in the MLB. He slashed .228/.272/.402/.674 with eight doubles, four home runs, and 10 RBI in 44 games before getting a season-ending injury.
This season, he’s hitting around the same, slashing .225/.293/.325/.618 with six doubles, two home runs, and nine RBI in 40 games. The difference though is he’s shown flashes of true progress this season.
Mayer started hot, then slumped for a big portion of the season, but was able to drag his average up to almost .260 for a few games. He dipped again, but he’s showing the ability to hit the ball, something Story still can’t do well this season.
Mayer at shortstop could be a long-term solution
© Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Mayer is currently at second base, where he has above average defense compared to the league average. Mayer also made it clear now he’s starting to practice at shortstop again, which was his natural position.
With Story possibly getting surgery, putting Mayer back in his natural spot seems good. Especially when he’s excelling as a defender this year.
Story’s future with the Red Sox
© Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
If Mayer shows off his ability at short, it might be time for a position change for Story. Either he takes over second, or in the interest of winning, he may be benched.
If the latter is the case, getting Andruw Monasterio at second or pushing for an AA callup of Boston’s top prospect Franklin Arias might be the right idea. Either way, the news of Mayer starting to get ready to take over his old position puts Story in the hot seat.
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