Marcelo Mayer shutdown for the remainder of the season
Red Sox top prospect Marcelo Mayer will not play again this season for the Portland Sea Dogs, per MLB.com’s Ian Browne.
Mayer was placed on the injured list on Aug. 3 with left shoulder inflammation, will instead continue his rehab down in Fort Myers, according to Red Sox director of player development Brian Abraham.
"Marcelo will not play again this year in Portland, said Abraham. “He will focus on his rehab in Fort Myers - strengthening of his shoulder, so he can have a full, normal offseason. We are very pleased with the progress he has made so far."
Mayer who is currently ranked No.11 overall on the MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospects, struggled in his stint with the Sea Dogs following his promotion from High-A Greenville earlier this season.
The 20-year-old hit .189 with 32 hits, eight doubles, one triple, six homers, 20 RBI, four stolen bases posting a .609 OPS.
Overall Mayer will finish this season hitting .236, 74 hits, 19 doubles, two triples, 13 homers, 54 RBI, 32 walks, nine stolen bags and a .739 OPS.
“It was a really positive [year], getting all the way up to Double A at his age,” said Abraham. “He was probably a little unlucky. He put the ball in play, hit the ball hard, and played a really good defensive shortstop.
“Overall, the chance to get to Double A where he had a chance to be an impactful player on a team that was having a lot of success, it was a really good opportunity for him to play with some upper-level talent, see upper-levels pitching, and really play as if he belongs.”
The injury for the Chula Vista, Calif. native is a small side step as he climbs towards the big leagues. Mayer remains one of the game’s top prospects and is expected to be ready for next season.
His offensive ability is undeniable, defensively his skills are advanced for his age. Mayer’s feel for the game allows him to have a quick first step, swallowing up ground balls in the process and making elite throws from the position. Outside of his standout ability on the field, it’s what Mayer has been doing off the field that also has his teammates, coaches and the front office’s attention.
“I’d say he’s more lead by example, he’ll speak up when it needs to be. Just his presence especially in Greenville, he was one of the younger guys and we have a very experience locker room, he was still that maintain presence,” said Red Sox pitching prospect Hunter Dobbins.
Dobbins played with Mayer at High-A Greenville this season and raved about the young shortstop’s demeanor amongst his teammates.
“Whether he was in the lineup or not, he made sure guys were doing what they needed to be doing, he was going to get his stuff done and hold you accountable without being in your face.
“Any locker room that can have that dude in it is blessed because he’s always going to bring that energy, that calming presence. You know what you’re going to get out on the field. It’s 110% all the time time and then if you need to be picked up after a rough day he’s going to be right there to be the one to do it,” said Dobbins.
Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisHenrique
For additional Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, MLB and NFL content follow Beyond the Monster on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr.
Join our new Facebook group for all of our latest content, click the link here.
Trade hm now np more injury kids