Story ‘a force’ at second base as infield defense displays major improvements

BOSTON — Alex Cora preferred to wait before he started gushing about the Red Sox’s much-improved infield defense this season.

“We have played 60 games, so I can talk about it now,” the manager said Tuesday.

The strides that the Red Sox have made defensively through two months are clear from the naked eye.

Rafael Devers looks more comfortable than he ever has at third base, making highlight-reel plays like the bare-handed one he made Sunday in Seattle. Xander Bogaerts has been smoother at shortstop. And Trevor Story’s transition to second base has looked seamless.

But the numbers are bearing it out too.

Cora read an article Tuesday posted by Mark Simon of Sports Info Solutions that put into context just how much better the Red Sox have been, and it’s been impressive. According to Simon, the Red Sox ranked last in percentage of ground balls and bunts turned into outs last season. This season they rate eighth in that category, which is the biggest improvement in the majors.

Entering Tuesday the Red Sox were tied for second with the Yankees with 31 defensive runs saved.

Simon laid out the details, which include how Story’s presence has changed the defense, and how Devers and Bogaerts have turned from below-average fielders to average. Cora said it’s all a credit to work put in over the offseason and an organizational effort that included buy-in from the coaching staff to the players.

“There are a lot of things they did in the offseason that we asked them to do in November that is paying off,” Cora said. “Narrow setup, first step, quickness. Raffy did other things that throughout the season I’ve learned about that have helped him. …

“It started in spring training. It started in spring training 2020, actually. You guys weren’t there, but the whole setup with the defensive thing — it took us a while, but to see where we’re at right now is a testament of the players and that coaching staff down there.”

Injury updates: The Red Sox’s three key players on the injured list — Garrett Whitlock, Kiké Hernandez and Nathan Eovaldi — are all progressing. Cora said

Whitlock is moving around and feeling better, while Eovaldi is still sore but also better. Hernandez saw a specialist for his injured hip.

“Just confirming what we saw,” Cora said. “Now [it’s] just a matter of getting treatment and get moving in the right direction the right way and hopefully he can come back as soon as possible.”

Pitching probables: With Whitlock and Eovaldi on the IL, Cora has to fill two spots in the rotation this week.

Cora said before Tuesday’s game that he’s undecided on who will start Wednesday, which could be a bullpen game. Kutter Crawford, who threw five shutout innings Sunday, will get another start Saturday against the Cardinals.

Rich Hill will start Thursday’s finale against the A’s, Michael Wacha will start Friday’s opener with St. Louis and Nick Pivetta will get the ball Sunday.