Red Sox top prospects resume baseball activities following mid-season injuries (report)
The Red Sox saw two of their top prospects land on the injured list and miss the remainder of their respective seasons.
Miguel Bleis (shoulder surgery) and Marcelo Mayer (shoulder) both went down mid-way through the year.
Bleis suffered a left shoulder strain on May 31 and was placed on the injured list by Single-A Salem. The 19-year-old and underwent surgery for a left shoulder subluxation.
The young outfielder has resumed baseball activities at the Red Sox’ Dominican Academy, including swinging the bat.
“He looks great, has added some good weight, looks good physically, and mentally is in a good spot,” said farm director Brian Abraham to The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier. “He should be ready for a normal spring training.”
Prior to the start of the 2023 season, Baseball America listed Bleis as a potential breakout candidate in the Sox system.
“Bleis has tools, youth and production on his side. Now, he needs to shore up his approach and get a better handle on breaking balls to truly tap into his talents. How well he does that will largely determine his future, but the upside is there to be a superstar in the coming years," per Baseball America.
Mayer has also resumed swinging this offseason while down in Fort Myers. The young prospect is back home in California on a strength program provided by the team.
The former first-round pick will be re-evaluated after Thanksgiving. Boston still thinks Mayer will avoid surgery on his shoulder and expect him at spring training.
Mayer was placed on the injured list on Aug. 3 with left shoulder inflammation, where he continued his rehab down in Fort Myers.
"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.”
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