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Alex Cora explains why Boston Red Sox’ Trevor Story has struggled

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Alex Cora explains why Boston Red Sox’ Trevor Story has struggled


BOSTON — Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story is on pace to play 151 games.

But will he hit enough to justify playing nearly every day for the rest of the season?

It hasn’t gone well for Story so far this year. Meanwhile, 22-year-old shortstop Marcelo Mayer, Baseball America‘s No. 8 overall prospect, is making a case at Triple-A Worcester with his OPS up to .819 after a slow start to the season.

Story entered Saturday with the 22nd worst OPS (.627) in the major leagues. He was batting .234 with a .276 on-base percentage and .351 slugging percentage in 44 games (181 plate appearances). He has only eight extra-base hits (six homers, two doubles).

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“Physically he feels great,” manager Alex Cora said before Boston’s game against the Braves on Saturday. “And he worked his (expletive) off in the offseason to get to this point. He wanted to play a lot of games, more than 150. And I think he’s on pace to do that. But obviously I gotta be smart, too. Not only with the production, but also the body.”

Saturday marked Story’s 45th game, the most games he has played in a season since 2022. He missed most of 2023 following elbow surgery, then was limited to 26 games last year after fracturing the glenoid bone in his left shoulder during the opening road trip.

“All the metrics, all the information that we have — the bat speed is there, his hands are where they’re supposed to be. Everything looks OK,” Cora said. “The only thing we’re not doing right now is hitting the ball forward.”

Story is the bottom 10th percentile among major league hitters in chase percentage (36.7%), strikeout percentage (30.9%), walk percentage (3.9%) and squared-up percentage (17.9%).

Cora said the Red Sox felt better about Story’s at-bats Friday when he went 1-for-4 with an RBI single in the ninth. Story also has a walk and single in Saturday’s game so far.

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“Just missing his pitches,” Cora said. “That’s the bottom line. I know he’s swinging a lot but he’s getting pitches in the zone and he’s fouling them off. And after that, they (pitchers) get to work.”

Cora said Story also hasn’t taken advantage even after he gets ahead in the count.

“2-0, 3-1, misses his pitches and then they bury him,” Cora said. “Early on, he wasn’t doing that. He was actually connecting and hitting the ball hard. And lately it hasn’t happened.”

Story’s 47.8% hard hit percentage is in the 73rd percentile among major league hitters. He’s also been an above-average baserunner. But all his other advanced offensive stats on Baseball Savant are between the poor and average scale (mostly poor).

Cora said it’s important for Story to make in-game adjustments.

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 “When he’s really good, he’s hitting the fastball. We know that,” Cora said. “And one thing that he did his first year (with the Red Sox in 2022), he was driving the ball to right-center. And I always talk about hitting the ball hard the other way. And then whatever soft is in the zone, he was able to pull.”

Story has struggled mightily on fastballs this season, going 18-for-87 (.207) with a .218 slugging percentage and just one extra-base hit (double).

Story’s best years offensively were 2018-21 — and he was able to feast on fastballs each of those seasons.

vs. fastballs:

  • 2018: .306 batting average, .572 slugging percentage.
  • 2019: .298 batting average, .570 slugging percentage.
  • 2020: .304 batting average, .507 slugging percentage.
  • 2021: .273 batting average, .498 slugging percentage.

“Right now he’s fouled them (fastballs) off,” Cora said. “Yesterday was a good sign. He stayed on a good pitch by Chris (Sale). Fouled it off but he stayed with it. And then the base hit up the middle, that was good.”

As Cora mentioned, the Red Sox feel OK with Story’s bat speed — but he ranks in the 28th percentile in that category (70.6).

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Cora was asked how long the Red Sox can continue on this path with Story if he’s not producing.

“Right now, he’s not the only one struggling,” Cora said. “KC (Kristian Campbell) has struggled for 50 at-bats and we’re not talking about that. It’s a lot. Like right now, I think offensively we got some holes and it’s not because they’re bad players or bad hitters. They’re just going through a stretch right here. And we just have to get ‘em going. Start doing the little things, hit the ball the other way, get your walks. And if we start doing that as a group, we’re gonna be better.”



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DA, Boston police investigate death of Suffolk County inmate

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DA, Boston police investigate death of Suffolk County inmate


Authorities are investigating the death of a Suffolk County House of Correction inmate who was found unresponsive at the Boston detention center Sunday night, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

The inmate was taken to a hospital where he died, the district attorney’s office said. Prosecutors are investigating his death along with Boston police and are awaiting results from the inmate’s autopsy.

The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, which runs the detention center, identified the inmate as 32-year-old Shacoby Kenny, Boston 25 News reported. On Sunday night, he “began exhibiting erratic behavior and physically attacked” detention center staff.

The sheriff’s department said that Kenny ran around his unit and tried to evade correction officers before he was brought under control, after which he became unresponsive, Boston 25 News reported. Medical staff at the detention center performed life-saving measures before he was taken to a hospital.

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The sheriff’s department said that Kenny has been detained at the Suffolk County House of Correction since February, but was temporarily sent to Bridgewater State Hospital — the Massachusetts Department of Correction’s psychiatric hospital — in July, Boston 25 News reported.

No further information was immediately available Monday night.



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‘Boston, you know the drill.’ City braces for winter weather ahead. – The Boston Globe

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‘Boston, you know the drill.’ City braces for winter weather ahead. – The Boston Globe


In front of snow plows and a 600-ton mound of salt on Monday, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu thanked city employees, especially first responders and those directly in charge of public works, for their efforts in laying the groundwork for a safe winter.

“Boston is ready,” Wu said at a press conference. “We know that winter can be quite unpredictable these days. Here in our city, you have to be ready for a major snowstorm, or you have to be ready for flooding at any moment’s notice.”

The mayor said the city prepares months in anticipation of snow and extreme cold weather. The city has approximately 32,000 tons of salt and 175 pieces of snow-clearing equipment, as well as 800 additional pieces from contractors ready, for deployment if necessary.

She advised Bostonians to be aware of those around them and to assist anyone who may appear disoriented or not dressed for the weather.

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Nick Gove, Boston’s interim chief of streets, said the roadway treatments have already been launched to ensure road safety for all Bostonians traveling during the cold and icy winter ahead.

“Winter weather pulls our employees away from the regular jobs and their families,” Gove said. “We work long hours, often in the middle of the night, to keep our roadways safe and clear. The city is very fortunate to have a dedicated, highly skilled and experienced team to do this work.”

He also asked residents to be patient in the case of extreme weather, as plows get to main roads first and then to others as fast as possible. Bostonians are also in charge of cleaning sidewalks.

“Snow and ice season is a team effort,” Gove said at the press conference. “The city of Boston is ready for whatever winter brings.”

Matthew Kearney, deputy chief of emergency management, advised residents to sign up for AlertBoston, a service which provides information on emergency conditions.

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Housing and heat are also crucial during the cold winter months, said Tania Del Rio, commissioners of the inspectional services department, and Sheila Dillon, chief of housing.

Del Rio reminded tenants and property owners to ensure their heating systems are working properly and set to the required temperatures.

She also advised Bostonians to never use grills, stoves, or other devices for indoor heating, and ensure that exterior vents are clear of snow.

Cold temperatures also put vulnerable populations at risk. Additional services and housing is available for homeless individuals to keep them out of the cold.

“Our shelter system has 1,250 beds and spaces available for our homeless individuals, and to add additional capacity, many of our local shelters have added approximately 150 additional beds and spaces for cold and nights where the weather is bad and we expect larger population to use them,” Dillion said.

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Brianna Millor, chief of community engagement, said neighborhood liaisons make calls to local organizations, such as senior centers and non-profit organizations, to make them aware of the services the city provides. She encouraged residents to contact their liaison or the 311 line if they need support or notice damage due to extreme weather, yet she asked for patience in case of winter weather.

“Boston, you know the drill,” she said.


Katarina Schmeiszer can be reached at katarina.schmeiszer@globe.com. Follow her on X at @katschmeiszer.





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Free December events in Boston: Christmas concerts, Jingle Ride, and more – The Boston Globe

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Free December events in Boston: Christmas concerts, Jingle Ride, and more – The Boston Globe


The holiday spirit is upon us, but so is the pressure to spend. Fret not, there are several cost-conscious, merry-making activities and events throughout the city. This week includes two seasonal symphonic evenings, opportunities for hands-on artistic expressions, and a winter workout that hits the pavement — while on two wheels. Here are some no-cost events and ways to save across Greater Boston and beyond for the week of Dec. 8-14.

YULETIDE TUNES The New England Conservatory presents a family-friendly concert of Christmas classics, performed by the NEC’s Chamber Singers and Symphonic Winds groups, alongside the Rhode Island-based Navy Band Northeast. The program includes recognizable classics like “Christmas Time Is Here” and “Winter Wonderland.” Attendees are encouraged to test their caroling know-how during the concert’s sing-along segment, so it’s time to brush up on favorites like “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Silent Night.” Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. RSVP required. Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St. necmusic.edu

DOODLES AT THE GALLERY The Institute of Contemporary Art’s Neighborhood Night offers free admission to all guests starting at 5 p.m. Throughout the evening, attendees can join two drop-in drawing workshops — one model, one portrait. At 7 p.m., join a guided gallery tour of Zimbabwean artist Portia Zvavahera’s exhibition, or visit the museum’s on-display exhibitions at any time. Dec. 11, 5-9 p.m. Institute of Contemporary Art, 25 Harbor Shore Drive. icaboston.org

The Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston offers free admission on Thursday starting at 5 p.m. for its Neighborhood Night event.Lauren Miller/ICA Boston

GAMES AND GINGERBREAD Get a little competitive — in a cheery, spirited way, of course — at BAMS Fest’s holiday game night, featuring a wide variety of board and tabletop games available throughout the Roundhead Brewing taproom. In addition to Jenga, Uno, and checkers, attendees can find a gingerbread house-making station with building materials provided while supplies last. DJ Kitz will play tunes throughout the night. Dec. 12, 7-11 p.m. Roundhead Brewing Company, 1 Westinghouse Plaza. bamsfest.org

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YOUTH MUSIC The Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra will perform a free concert of holiday hits. The showcase features a string and wind ensemble made up of students from the BYSO’s Intensive Concert Program, which provides opportunities to young Bostonians from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in classical music. Dec. 13, 5 p.m. Tsai Performance Center, 685 Commonwealth Ave. www.bysoweb.org/events

The Ciclismo Classico Jingle Ride.Ciclismo Classico

BIKE THE HALLS If you’ve ever wanted to fly through the skies on Santa’s sleigh, the annual Jingle Ride is maybe as close as you can get: The 18.5-mile bike ride, which traverses from Arlington to Boston and back, meets up at the Kickstand Café and takes off at 11 a.m. Riders are encouraged to dress up in Santa hats, antlers, or other festive fashion. Dec. 14, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Starts at Kickstand Café, 594 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington. ciclismoclassico.com

SWEEP-STEAKS The Aeronaut Brewing Company will host a Holiday Meat Raffle for cuts of meat from Savenor’s, a Cambridge butcher shop. Attendees get one raffle ticket for walking in, and are given a ticket for each donation of an unexpired, nonperishable food item, for up to five extra tickets. There are five baskets to win, each with vacuum-sealed cuts of meat (or pantry items, for the meatless prize). Dec. 13, 5-7 p.m. Aeronaut Brewing Company, 14 Tyler St., Somerville. aeronautbrewing.com

Check individual event websites for the most up-to-date information.

Send info on free events and special offers at least 10 days in advance to ryan.yau@globe.com.


Ryan Yau can be reached at ryan.yau@globe.com.

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