Trevor Story OK after 'scary' collision with Rafael Devers

Story spent an extra few seconds on the ground after what he called a “scary” moment chasing an infield fly ball.

Trevor Story had a collision with Rafael Devers in the late stages of Saturday’s game. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Trevor Story’s miraculous return to the Red Sox lineup nearly took an unfortunate turn at Yankee Stadium on Saturday.

During the late stages of the rivalry game, Story attempted to aid Boston third baseman Rafael Devers with an infield fly ball. Instead, the two collided. Devers juggled the ball and eventually did secure the grab, but Story laid on the ground for a few extra seconds before returning to his feet.

Story explained the play in a postgame interview with MLB Network.

“Yeah, that was a scary one. … I looked at [Devers] and I thought he didn’t see the ball. I thought it was a sun ball,” Story said. “So, I rushed over there to try and get it and ran into him. He’s a big boy, and I felt every bit of that. But, thank god everybody’s good.”

The fact that Story is back and helping the Red Sox make one final push for an American League wild card spot is unbelievable enough considering his original recovery time was slated at six months. However, Story hasn’t stopped at simply being in the lineup for Boston. He’s been an offensive spark since his return.

On Saturday, Story went 3 for 4 from the plate and scored a run. In his last seven games, he’s recorded eight hits and three RBI, with a batting average of .308. He has five hits and a home run in the first three games of a four-game stint in the Bronx.

Those numbers are a product of a change in mentality and approach, according to the shortstop himself.

“I came back from injury last year, you’re trying to feel your way into it,” Story said. “But, I’m an aggressive hitter now, so I need to be myself. It’s just playing to my strengths, and I think I’ve done a good job so far.”

Story has improved in just about every offensive metric with his uptick in aggression this season compared to last year. In his 43 games in 2023, Story had a .203 batting average with 32 hits and three home runs. In 2024 as a whole, he is batting .263 with 15 hits in 15 games.

His .263 average would be Story’s highest mark since his 2020 season. Given the small sample size, it’s unclear if Story would be able to hold his pace for a full season. But, after a down year in 2023 filled with plate struggles, making consistent contact in 2024 is important for Story no matter how many games he’s appeared in.