After the Boston Red Sox slumped further away from postseason contention this weekend, rough prospect news followed.
Top Red Sox prospect Marcelo Mayer was called up to Triple-A on Aug. 12, but hasn't appeared in a game since July 30 with lingering injury issues. That same injury may end his season early.
The young shortstop was pulled from the late July matchup with Double-A Erie after one at-bat and has been attempting to rehab a lower back/high glute muscle issue since. Mayer's inability to recover quickly prompted the Red Sox organization to examine his back, where it discovered a lumbar strain, per Alex Speier of The Boston Globe.
Speier reports that Mayer has left Worcester to rehab in Fort Myers, Fla., and his season is likely over. The Red Sox organization believes that Mayer will be able to make a full recovery and go through the impending offseason healthy.
Top Red Sox prospect Marcelo Mayer's season likely ends with lumbar strain
Red Sox prospect Marcelo Mayer likely done for season due to a lumbar strain in lower back https://t.co/WJmQctZwdl via @BostonGlobe
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) August 26, 2024
While shutting Mayer down is the right call for his health and future, the injury will call his durability further into question. Mayer's 2023 season also ended prematurely after he sustained a shoulder impingement that hampered his offensive abilities, and his campaign was shut down after a few fruitless weeks at the plate.
But before he was pulled against Double-A Erie, the 21-year-old posted a standout season. He slashed .307/.370/.480 with a .850 OPS in 77 games with the Sea Dogs. He clocked eight homers, 38 RBI and 28 doubles, the second-most in the Eastern League even after being sidelined for a month.
Mayer was projected to debut for the Red Sox this season, but his promotion to Triple-A took longer than anticipated. If all goes well with his recovery and offseason, Boston fans should expect to see Mayer at Fenway Park alongside his two teammates, Roman Anthony and Kyle Teel, in 2025.
The Red Sox's No. 1 prospect played well enough for long enough this season to inch up top prospect lists, league-wide. It's unfortunate that Mayer's season ended before he was promoted to Triple-A and fans have yet to see him perform at the next level, but the Red Sox are right to take his injury seriously.