How This Red Sox Star Crafted Winning Formula In Batting Cage

The Boston Red Sox have seen Trevor Story spark his season through a new routine.

Before games, the shortstop heads into the cages with hitting coach Pete Fatse to simulate live at-bats, as reported by Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. Fatse mixes fastballs, sliders and sweepers from a short distance, giving Story a look that feels like what he will see that night.

The plan, reportedly suggested by Story in June, has become central to his resurgence.

It mirrors work he once did in Colorado, when then-manager Bud Black threw to him before games. Remembering how much it sharpened his timing, Story asked Fatse to replicate the process.

Though the work pulled Fatse away from group sessions, he agreed, believing it could help Boston’s shortstop return to form. Story admitted the sessions are uncomfortable but said they are valuable because they expose flaws he can address before facing opposing pitchers, according to McCaffrey.

The impact has been evident. Story has steadied against right-handers and left-handers, while also crediting assistant coach Matt Noone for his work when Boston faces southpaws at Fenway Park. Each time Story has homered off a lefty there, it was Noone who had thrown him batting practice.

Fatse has noticed the biggest change in conviction. Story’s ability to stay disciplined with his plan in the cage has carried into games, a trust built through months of repetition, McCaffrey wrote.

What began as a gamble to change his process has turned into Story’s most consistent stretch in a Boston uniform. His work has helped keep the Red Sox in the middle of playoff contention.