The reason why Marcelo Mayer didn’t take part in Story Camp this past week
Spring training is still weeks away, but that didn’t stop Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story from getting some of his teammates and fellow infielders together to get work in.
Story hosted a handful of young Red Sox players for group training sessions in Dallas this past week.
The event which has been called “Story Camp” saw Triston Casas, David Hamilton, Vaughn Grissom and Nick Yorke participate in activities.
The group of players worked out in the weight room, played basketball and football, took infield drills and took swings in the cage. Story held the event Dallas Baptist University.
One player not in attendance for the event was top infield prospect Marcelo Mayer.
The 21-year-old was initially scheduled to attend but the club decided that Mayer “needed to continue with physical therapy for the impingement in his left shoulder,” per The Boston Globe’s Peter Abraham.
WEEI’s Rob Bradford spoke with Mayer last week on his “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast and said he was “full go.”
"While you are waiting: Marcelo Mayer is a full go this offseason and will be part of Rookie Program in Boston next week," Bradford said. "Shoulder is not a hindrance."
Mayer was placed on the injured list on Aug. 3 with left shoulder inflammation. He did participate in rehab workouts in Fort Myers to end the regular season.
"Marcelo will not play again this year in Portland, said Red Sox director of player development Brian Abraham back in mid-September. “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."
The young infielder hit .189 with 32 hits, eight doubles, one triple, six homers, 20 RBI, four stolen bases posting a .609 OPS. 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.
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