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BATTING LEADOFF

Mookie Betts was greeted by standing ovations the two times he returned to Fenway Park since being traded to the Dodgers.

The same is true when Chris Sale comes to town with the Braves or Xander Bogaerts with the Padres. Nate Eovaldi, too.

The members of the 2018 World Series champions who are still in uniform always get welcomed by the fans.

Boston remembers its athletic heroes. We celebrate them.

That largesse will be tested on Friday when Rafael Devers returns to Fenway for the first time since he was traded to the Giants 14 months ago.

TO THE LINKS

REDEMPTION STORY: The Red Sox are going to be counting on Trevor Story and Roman Anthony down the stretch. Chad Finn writes that the pair has an opportunity to aid an offense that must be consistently productive.

MAKE IT PERMANENT: Dan Shaughnessy wonders what more Chad Tracy has to do before the Red Sox drop the "interim" label.

THE DURBINATOR: Since he returned to the lineup on May 28 after sitting out of back-to-back games, Caleb Durbin has hit .306/.371/.496 with 11 home runs and 12 stolen bases while playing fantastic defense. Alex Speier looks at how Durbin’s emergence as a dirt-covered force propelled the Red Sox' startling in-season turnaround.

WHAT ABOUT HIM?: Where will Story's return leave Andruw Monasterio, who was about fourth on the depth chart but emerged as a key contributor as the Sox turned their season around? Tim Healey examines the issue.

ABOUT TONIGHT: Sonny Gray will be on the mound when the Red Sox open a three-game series with the Giants. Here is a preview.

PUT THEM IN THE HALL: Kevin Paul Dupont believes Tommy John and Dr. Frank Jobe should be enshrined together in Cooperstown.

See more of our Red Sox coverage here.

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