BOSTON — Xander Bogaerts performed 10 seasons for the Boston Purple Sox and cemented his legacy with the franchise as a two-time World Collection champion.
That put June 28 as a particular date for the previous Boston shortstop as he would return for the primary time as a customer with the San Diego Padres, the crew that signed him to an 11-year contract for $280 million following the 2022 season.
Bogaerts is with the crew as they go to Fenway Park, although he is not going to be taking the sector as he stays on the injured checklist with a fractured shoulder.
“This was one you had marked in your calendar and searching ahead to,” Bogaerts instructed reporters at Fenway Park. “I hoped possibly I might be obtainable, however most likely not.”
Story continues beneath commercial
Bogaerts had not been touring with the Padres constantly for the reason that harm in Might. Now, the prospect to reconnect with the Purple Sox and proceed his rehab made the journey to Boston wise.
“I believe the Boston journey aligned higher with me doing stuff on the sector,” Bogaerts mentioned. “That was one of many greatest causes of why I’m right here additionally. Now, I’m taking BP. I’m taking floor balls. To start with, I couldn’t even run.”
Bogaerts suffered the harm after a busy begin to the 2024 season that included a place change. After spending the vast majority of his MLB profession as a shortstop, the 31-year-old shifted over to second base. With continued reps early on, Bogaerts labored to discover a consolation degree on the opposite aspect of the infield.
“It wasn’t enjoyable,” Bogaerts defined. “I didn’t count on it. I truthfully didn’t count on it. … Early on, it wasn’t that dangerous. You don’t know the place nicely, so that you follow so much at it.”
Story continues beneath commercial
Whereas Purple Sox shortstop Trevor Story suffered an identical harm in April that ended his season, Bogaerts stays diligent with hopes to return previous to the All-Star break.
“That’s my plan, I might hope so,” Bogaerts supplied.
As for his return to Boston, Bogaerts has “no onerous emotions” after departing from the Purple Sox in free company. He did acknowledge the total circle second of heading to San Diego, the identical metropolis that hosted the All-Star Sport for Bogaerts’ first nod for the Midsummer Traditional with the Purple Sox in 2016.
Bogaerts discovered a well-recognized feeling flying into Boston and getting across the metropolis. The journey allowed him to point out gratitude to a number of Purple Sox coaches, gamers and executives who helped him develop up on the big-league degree.
Story continues beneath commercial
Bogaerts now will get a front-row seat because the Padres and Purple Sox begin their three-game sequence with each groups preventing for wild-card spots of their respective leagues.
