When Marcelo Mayer underwent wrist surgery back in August the expectation was he would be out for the year. The procedure came with a three-month recovery timetable, which seemingly ruled out any chance he could return to the field in 2025.
Or did it?
Red Sox manager Alex Cora provided an intriguing update on Mayer’s recovery, saying the 22-year-old shortstop is feeling great and has resumed baseball activities.
“I actually talked to him, he feels really good. I think he took dry swings yesterday for the first time,” Cora said. “He’s been working hard throughout the process with (strength coach Kiyoshi Momose) and the trainers and that’s a great first step.”
Mayer was in the Red Sox clubhouse without a brace prior to Friday’s game, and he was also spotted playing catch.
If he continues to progress, would he be an option for the Red Sox at some point in the playoffs? Cora didn’t rule it out.
“I bet he’s pushing,” Cora said.
Mayer suffered a sprained right wrist on a swing during Boston’s July 23 game against the Philadelphia Phillies. He was placed on the injured list two days later and underwent surgery to repair a torn TFCC (Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex) on Aug. 20.
He was later moved to the 60-day IL, but because his original IL placement dates back to July 24 he is already eligible to return and could be activated whenever the club believes he is ready.
That likely still won’t happen for a while, but the deeper the Red Sox make it into October, the more realistic the possibility will become.
