The Boston Red Sox reinstated second baseman Trevor Story from the 10-day injured list Saturday, returning a much-needed bat to a struggling lineup.
To create a roster spot for Story, Boston optioned outfielder Jarren Duran to Triple-A Worcester after Friday's 9-8 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. Duran occupied center field most of the month while Enrique Hernandez was on the injured list.
Story, 29, was placed on the injured list because of a right hand contusion on July 16, and the team's move was retroactive to July 14. The right-handed veteran, in his first season with Boston, made two rehabilitation starts at second base Aug. 24-25 for Double-A Portland, going 3-for-5 with three runs, a double, a home run and three RBIs. Batting sixth in the order, Story went 1-for-3 with a run scored in Boston's 5-1 win Saturday night.
After a slow start to the season, Story, who joined the Red Sox from the Colorado Rockies, has worked his way up to a .221 batting average, with 49 runs, 17 doubles, 15 home runs, 58 RBIs and a team-high 10 stolen bases before heading to the IL. He has appeared in 82 games for Boston this season, making 80 starts at second base.
Duran, 25, has played 57 games for Boston this season, making 47 starts in center field and five in right field. The left-handed hitter is carrying a .220 (44-for-200) average with 23 runs, 20 extra-base hits and 17 RBIs in the majors this season and might return to the Red Sox next month, when rosters expand. He is hitting .305 with 23 extra-base hits and 28 RBIs in 43 games for Worcester.
The Red Sox have won two straight following a four-game skid in which they did not score more than five runs in any game.