The Red Sox kept their run going with a 4-2 win over the Marlins in Miami on Monday night, but the bigger picture was the one developing away from the scoreboard. Trevor Story and Isiah Kiner-Falefa moved another step closer to returning from rehab assignments, and Boston now has to manage a good problem: a team that has thrived in their absence, and a roster that soon needs them back.
Story and Kiner-Falefa were both reevaluated on Monday after beginning rehab assignments with Triple-A Worcester last week. Roman Anthony also started a rehab assignment last week with Double-A Portland, which means the Red Sox are now approaching the point where three roster spots may need to be adjusted in a relatively short window.
Boston's replacements have kept the team moving
For over three months, the Red Sox have pieced together the infield and lineup with a rotating group of call-ups while those regulars were out. The surprising part is that the team has not merely survived that stretch; it has played well enough to create a real selection dilemma once the injured players are ready.
Nick Sogard has been a big part of that, spending most of his time at second base while Chad Tracy has made it clear he wants his bat in the lineup every day. Tracy said, “You can’t say enough about it,” and added that Sogard has brought “power swings on the left side, powerful swings on the right side. You’re getting great defense. It’s been enormous, the at-bats he’s taken.”
That is exactly the sort of contribution teams need when injuries stack up. It is not just about filling a gap. It is about giving the manager enough trust to keep the lineup competitive while waiting for the bigger names to return.
Story and Kiner-Falefa are edging back
The timeline now matters. Story and Kiner-Falefa were set to remain with Worcester for at least one more game on Tuesday, with Story potentially able to join the team in Miami as soon as Wednesday. Anthony’s path is slightly different because his rehab work is taking place with Portland, but he is also moving forward.
That means the Red Sox are close to the point where performance alone will not settle the issue. They will have to decide how to reintegrate players who were part of the Opening Day picture before going down in the span of six weeks during May and June.
It is a familiar challenge for any contender that gets healthy again: the return of established regulars is usually a boost, but it can also force immediate change. Boston have earned the right to call it a good problem, yet it is still a problem that needs solving quickly.
The next few days should tell the story. If Story is back as soon as Wednesday, and if Kiner-Falefa and Anthony continue on track, the Red Sox could be facing roster decisions almost immediately after a win that showed how well the replacement group has held the line.
