Texas road trip a homecoming for Story

ARLINGTON, Texas — There’s no place like home for Trevor Story, but with the Red Sox is where he’s supposed to be.

Story grew up in Irving, just outside of Dallas. His family still lives in the area. His wife, Mallie, along with their newborn son are here, too. Story, for the first time this season, got to be in the comfort of his own home despite playing for the Red Sox.

“It’s always special for me,” Story said Friday before the start of the three-game set with the Rangers. “Especially with my son now. I get to be at home with him and be in our house and my wife and just see the family and everybody that we grew up with. So those are always good things and we certainly enjoy that time. Home is home.”

There was a possibility that Story could have signed with his hometown Rangers when he was a free agent last offseason, but despite the ties to the area, Story ultimately wanted to be with the Red Sox.

“I think just kind of given the landscape of, you know, being here, and growing up here, everyone kind of thought it was a possibility,” Story said. “But things worked out how they did and I believe that’s for a reason. And yeah, I’m happy where I’m at.”

Hill returns, will start Saturday:

Rich Hill said he will start Saturday evening’s game against

the Rangers, his first since was placed on the COVID-19 injured list on May 6. He was symptomatic but said he’s now recovered.

“I had a good bullpen a couple days ago,” Hill said. “I just threw some off the mound today. I felt good, so I’ll be ready to go [Saturday].”

Hill’s last start came May 5 against the Angels. The lefthander went five strong innings without allowing a run and striking out six.

Hill was cleared a couple of days ago, he said, and was able to do some form of workouts.

“I was able to do a total body [workout] and get in there and do some shoulder exercises,” Hill said. “All that stuff kind of checked out.”

Bullpen game looms: The Sox haven’t made anything official yet, but Sunday will most likely be a bullpen game. Tanner Houck will be available out of the bullpen Friday too. Garrett Whitlock will be pushed back a day and will start Monday at Fenway Park against the Astros.