What happened: Trevor Story has hit .327 with six extra-base hits and an .812 OPS since Sept. 1. MLB Tonight spotlighted the veteran's role in Boston's lineup as the regular season moves into its final stretch.

Why it matters: Story has a hit in 16 of 17 games since returning, suggesting this is more than a brief hot patch. Productive extra-base contact from a veteran infielder gives Boston another steady bat deeper in the order late in the season.

What to watch: Watch whether Story keeps the extra-base production through Boston's next series. If the contact streak holds, his place in the middle of the lineup stays a key late-season variable.