Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story appeared in his fourth game on his rehab stint with Triple-A Worcester on Thursday night.
Given how Story performed, that might be all Story needed before returning to the Red Sox.
Story sure looked MLB ready on Thursday when he went 4-for-5 at the plate, drove in two runs, scored twice and stole a base against the Rochester Red Wings. Story was in the lineup at shortstop for the third straight game and played seven innings before being subbed out in the top of the eighth inning.
Story went hitless in his previous two games after starting his rehab assignment with a two-hit showing this past Sunday.
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The Boston Globe's Julian McWilliams reported earlier this week that Story could be on the verge of a return. McWilliams noted Story will have Friday off with the team assessing what to do with the two-time All-Star.
The four-hit performance was highly encouraging from Story, who looked like his season was completely lost on April 5 when he injured his shoulder and underwent surgery.
But Story's comeback seems on the precipice of the big leagues and the fading Red Sox, who are 5 1/2 games out of the final American League wild-card spot, could use a jolt in the lineup. Boston's offense scored just eight runs over its current five-game losing streak.
Story wasn't the only member of the Red Sox going through a rehab game Thursday with Worcester. Reliever Liam Hendriks threw an inning of scoreless relief and allowed just one hit. He might make his way to the Red Sox soon, too, as it was his sixth rehab outing and he has yet to allow a run.
