Full Breakdown
Monasterio Emerges as Red Sox Shortstop While Trevor Story Nears Return
8/21/2026, 2:22:52 AM
Core Development
On July 22, Andruw Monasterio assumed the everyday shortstop role for Boston after injuries sidelined incumbent Trevor Story (sports hernia) and other infielders. Over the next 27 games, Monasterio posted a .298 batting average, a .358 on-base percentage and a .404 slugging percentage, according to the Boston Globe. His performance helped fuel a 15-game winning streak, during which his slash line was .306/.375/.484 despite defensive shortcomings. Story has been batting 3-for-9 in three Triple-A games with Worcester and is expected to rejoin the major-league roster after more than three months away.
Official Statements & Responses
Interim manager Chad Tracy said the club’s goal is for Story to resume his duties as the starting shortstop, but he also emphasized a “meritocracy” that will keep Monasterio on the field if he continues to excel. Tracy indicated he will look for ways to retain Monasterio when the injured players return, noting the need to “play the hot hand” and mix lineups. Monasterio himself stressed his willingness to play any position the team assigns, describing his role as “whatever they want” and expressing pride in exceeding expectations.
Data & Statistics
- Monasterio’s 27-game line: .298/.358/.404.
- Early-July stretch: .306/.375/.484.
- Pitcher Tyron Guerrero, after a recent rough outing, recorded fastballs topping 103 mph on two pitches and 102.1 mph on another, signaling a return to form.
Upcoming Schedule
Boston will face the San Francisco Giants at Fenway this weekend, with Logan Webb starting for the Giants. The Sox will counter with Sonny Gray, Patrick Sandoval and Jake Bennett, who is making his first start in nine days. Later, the team faces a demanding stretch of 14 games in 13 days beginning in August, culminating in a four-game series against the New York Yankees.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I know what my role is,” — Andruw Monasterio
- “I have to be proud of myself,” — Andruw Monasterio
- “I don’t think he’ll still play. He’ll still play,” — Chad Tracy, interim manager
- “Oh, man. It was really good. Finally, I recovered a lot,” — Wednesday. Between Tyron Guerrero
- “A little bit reset with everything — mind-set, my body,” — Wednesday. Between Tyron Guerrero
