Red Sox Get Big Offseason Injury Update on Marcelo Mayer
Ever since the Boston Red Sox drafted Marcelo Mayer with the fourth overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, Red Sox fans have been eagerly awaiting his arrival. The hype around him has only intensified since the departure of star shortstop Xander Bogaerts after the 2022 season, paving the way for Mayer when he inevitably reaches the majors.
His rise through the minors has been briefly put on hold, however, due to a shoulder injury that ended his season in August after 43 games at Double-A. The 20-year-old is now unlikely to open the 2024 season with Boston, but could be up in the big leagues at some point later in the year.
Red Sox beat writer Jen McCaffrey recently provided an update on Mayer's status in an article for The Athletic.
— Jen McCaffrey (@jcmccaffrey) November 1, 2023According to McCaffrey, Mayer has been rehabbing in Fort Myers, Florida (the site of Boston's Spring Training facility) since the season ended. McCaffrey also wrote that the Red Sox "are confident he’ll be healthy and ready come spring training."
In an interview with director of player development Brian Abraham, Abraham said that Mayer has "been progressing in baseball activities and expecting a normal offseason."
That's great news for Mayer, whose injury prevented him from playing in the Arizona Fall League this year. Shoulder injuries can be tough because they affect throwing and swinging, so it's good to hear that Mayer is starting to ramp up his activities and shouldn't have any training limits this offseason.
Given that, Mayer will be able to prepare as usual for what could be his first MLB season. While he'll likely open the year in Double-A Portland after batting just .189/.254/.355 there, he could be up in Boston at some point later in the year if he shows improvement and plays up to his star potential.
That's good for the Red Sox because after back-to-back last-place finishes, they could use all the help they can get.
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