Shortstop continues to be a problem for the Boston Red Sox this season.
Marcelo Mayer has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a bone stress reaction in his left forearm, the team announced on Friday. The Red Sox were already without shortstop Trevor Story, who went on the IL on May 16 with a sports hernia that required surgery. (He was moved to the 60-day IL on June 4.)
Mayer told reporters, including MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, that he’s been dealing with the forearm issue for the past two months. The injury finally got to the point where the decision was made to shut him down, monitoring him on a “week-to-week” basis.
After beginning the season at second base, then moving to his natural position at shortstop when Story was sidelined, Mayer has a .220/.282/.312 slash line with 3 home runs, 10 doubles, 21 RBI and 3 stolen bases in 228 plate appearances.
Infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa is also currently on the IL with left forearm inflammation, leaving Boston with few options at shortstop. His injury is being re-evaluated before a decision is made on his availability.
Marcelo Mayer raising doubts in Red Sox organization
Mayer going on the IL follows a report by MassLive’s Sean McAdam that some in the Red Sox organization question the 23-year-old’s mental toughness, noting a tendency to isolate himself from teammates and coaches during slumps.
There’s a belief that Mayer might benefit from going back to Triple-A, where he can work on his swing and regain confidence. Some also question whether he can truly be counted on as Boston’s shortstop of the future, according to McAdam.
Franklin Arias, 20, ranked as the Red Sox’s No. 1 prospect by MLB.com, might have overtaken Mayer in the organization’s view. Currently playing with Double-A Portland, Arias is batting .325/.402/.580 with 14 homers, 15 doubles, 38 RBI and 5 steals.
Tsung-Che Cheng was recalled from Triple-A Worcester to take Mayer’s place on the Red Sox roster. He is starting at shortstop in Friday’s matchup with the New York Yankees and batting ninth. Cheng, 24, has a slash average of .254/.351/.424 with 7 home runs, 8 doubles, 3 triples, 18 RBI and 10 steals. He was signed from waivers during the spring.
About the Author
