Red Sox’s Alex Cora Provides Ominous Update On Marcelo Mayer

When will Boston Red Sox rookie infielder Marcelo Mayer return to the big league lineup?

Mayer has been on the Injured List since July 24 with a wrist sprain. Mayer and the Red Sox medical team reportedly considered season-ending surgery at one point but ultimately decided against it. Instead, Mayer got a cortisone shot with hopes of playing again this season for the Red Sox.

The shot helped Mayer with the pain, and on Monday, the 22-year-old stud resumed baseball activities by playing catch, per MassLive’s Christopher Smith.

So, what is Mayer’s destiny for the remainder of the 2025 season?

Red Sox manager Alex Cora addressed Mayer’s status on Friday, per the Boston Herald’s Mac Cerullo.

“Alex Cora says Marcelo Mayer has begun taking dry swings but it’s still unclear whether or not he’ll be able to return this season,” Cerullo reported.

While the Red Sox haven’t ruled out a Mayer return, it’s not a great sign that his rehab is shrouded in uncertainty with only 40 games remaining on the schedule. If this were a situation where the Red Sox were aware of and communicating a clear return timetable, there would be more reason for optimism.

At this point, the later Mayer returns (if he does at all), the less time he’ll have to shrug off rust before the crunch time of the regular season and, potentially, the postseason. Furthermore, the unclear nature of Mayer’s recovery makes it difficult for Cora and other members of Boston’s leadership to make roster decisions.

Ultimately, the Red Sox are a better club with Mayer in the fold, provided he is healthy.