The Boston Red Sox are facing further challenges in their infield as shortstop Marcelo Mayer was placed on the 10-day injured list Friday due to a stress reaction in the ulna of his left forearm. Mayer, who had been the team's everyday shortstop following Trevor Story’s placement on the injured list last month, was diagnosed after undergoing a CT scan a day after a 0-for-4 performance against the New York Yankees, whom the Red Sox defeated 6-1.
Mayer revealed he had been managing the injury for much of the season, noting the discomfort fluctuated daily. The injury affected him sporadically on defense but more consistently when swinging the bat. Despite his struggles at the plate—he is currently hitting .220/.282/.312 with three home runs—Mayer declined to attribute his performance issues solely to the injury. "Obviously, I’m not happy with the way I’ve been playing. I’m not going to make an excuse that it’s been my forearm or anything else," he said.
This latest setback adds to a series of injuries that have hindered Mayer’s career progress. His recent injury history includes a wrist strain in 2022, an early end to his 2023 campaign due to a shoulder injury, lower back spasms early this year, and season-ending wrist surgery in August 2025. There is currently no timetable for his return, as he awaits sufficient healing of the bone. Mayer is expected to be evaluated on a week-to-week basis by Boston’s medical staff.
Interim manager Chad Tracy acknowledged the team’s compounded difficulties with infield injuries. Mayer joins Story and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who was placed on the injured list last week with a more severe stress reaction in the same area of the forearm. “We’ve taken some hits,” Tracy said, also noting the ongoing absences of pitchers Garrett Crochet and Roman Anthony. “You just have to move on, next guy up to help us, and go out and win a ballgame. But we’ve certainly taken more hits on the infield side than anything else.”
To fill the shortstop void, Tracy plans to alternate the position between Tsung-Che Cheng and Andruw Monasterio, matching Cheng, recently promoted from Triple-A Worcester, against right-handed pitchers. Cheng notched his first major league hit, RBI, and walk during Friday’s game. Monasterio will get opportunities against left-handers.
Meanwhile, several players are progressing through rehabilitation assignments. Infielder Romy Gonzalez, recovering from shoulder surgery and struggling with hip flexor issues, went 0-for-3 with a walk at first base for Worcester on Friday. The team will meet to decide whether to activate him this weekend or send him back for further rehab. Left-hander Jovani Morán, sidelined with left elbow inflammation, is scheduled for at least one more rehab appearance with Worcester after tossing a scoreless inning Thursday. Infielder Nick Sogard, out since early June with a right oblique strain, may begin a minor league rehab stint as early as next week.
Boston’s infield depth will be tested as the team navigates these injuries, requiring contributions from younger players while key veterans recover.