Red Sox Hold Their Breath as They Wait For Diagnosis on Injured Star

Boston's fifth straight win was marred by the fourth-inning departure of star shortstop Trevor Story with what looked like a rather serious left shoulder injury.

Story's injury occurred in the bottom of the inning as he reacted to a hard ground ball off the bat of Mike Trout. The shortstop ranged to his right, springing into a dive; in the process of gloving the ball, the ninth-year man came down awkwardly on his shoulder, yelling in pain.

Players and fans alike were aware of the injury almost instantaneously as Story writhed around on the outfield grass. The medical team came out immediately, and Story walked off with his left arm immobilized, shaking his head.

Pablo Reyes finished the game at shortstop, going 0/2 with a walk in three plate appearances.

"Not trying to put any words on [the injury] yet, cause we don't know for sure," said Story postgame. "Painful... just kind of landed all the body weight on the shoulder there, didn't feel good..."

The Red Sox plan to get additional information on the injury today, with imaging and a litany of tests scheduled for as soon as possible. Potential diagnoses range anywhere from a shoulder sprain to a full labrum tear, but even the best possible outcome would likely see Story placed on the IL for at least the foreseeable future.

The fleet-footed David Hamilton will be the one to fill the void on the roster, as multiple sources reported he'll join the team in Anaheim. The 26-year old struggled mightily in his only stint in the bigs, compiling a .438 OPS over 15 appearances with the Red Sox last season. Hamilton will likely play deputy to the aforementioned Reyes, who figures to be Boston's everyday shortstop (barring a surprise addition) until (or if) Story is fit to return.

Somewhat notably, Story was not fitted in a sling postgame. How much this says about the severity of the injury is anyone's guess, and, even without the sling, the veteran shortstop seemed a combination of shell-shocked and emotional.

"Frustrating, man... a lot of emotions. We don't know how severe it is just yet... but a lot of frustration," said Story.

The Red Sox will finish out their West Coast trip with two more games in Anaheim before returning to Fenway Park on Tuesday.

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