The MLB Power Rankings are getting crazy
Originally slated to make his return on Thursday, Trevor Story was back in the Red Sox lineup for the first time in 332 days Tuesday night in what felt like a move of urgency by the Red Sox.
Story was initially scheduled to finish out his rehab assignment which was set to expire Wednesday, but after getting swept by the Blue Jays over the weekend and sitting five games out of the third Wild Card spot entering Tuesday night, it feels like the Red Sox felt the time running out, which left them no choice but to activate the two-time All Star.
Unfortunately for the Red Sox, the time for urgency has passed. That was on display with Tuesday night's loss to the Royals.
Part of the reason the Red Sox front office stood pat at the deadline was because of the looming returns of Story, Chris Sale, Garrett Whitlock and Tanner Houck at the “Mini trade deadline,” which kicked off Tuesday night with the return of Story.
However, the reality is, the clock really is ticking for the Red Sox to crawl out of the hole they now find themselves in and relying on these guys coming off injury is simply not enough.
Following Tuesday night’s 9-3 loss to the 37-78 (!) Kansas City Royals, the Red Sox are now 2-5 since the deadline and have been outscored 46-26.
The first of the “additions” for the Red Sox struggled mightily on Tuesday night. Story finished the night 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. Struggles for Story early on should be expected, and the hiccups of returning to Major League play was on display when he was completely blown away on a 94 MPH sinker from Brady Singer in his first at-bat.
Aside from a quick rally in the bottom of the fifth, the Red Sox looked lethargic on Tuesday night, which has been a common theme post-trade deadline.
It’s tough to brush over the fact that the inactivity from the front office could be a driving factor in their lackluster play since the deadline. The Red Sox as a team were vocal that they believed they are a good team and just a few pieces away.
Judging by the deadline, the front office felt differently.
Though 49 games seems like a lot, the time is running out for the Red Sox to go on a run, and the Sox have no other option but to rely on the “additions” coming back off injury. Unfortunately, it looks like it’s coming too late.