Red Sox Reportedly Recalling Player As Likely Replacement For Injured Rookie

The Boston Red Sox reportedly made a move Friday morning that could indicate unfortunate injury news.

Marcelo Mayer exited Wednesday’s comeback win over the Philadelphia Phillies early with right wrist discomfort. The rookie infielder, who was wearing a brace on the injured wrist, was scheduled to undergo an MRI on Thursday.

The Red Sox appeared to prepare for his absence. They’re promoting David Hamilton back from Triple-A as a likely replacement for Mayer, according to the Boston Globe’s Alex Speier.

Boston sent down a struggling Hamilton two weeks ago to make room for a returning Alex Bregman. The middle infielder was batting .179/.229/.276 in 133 plate appearances.

Hamilton offered much better results when tallying eight home runs, 33 stolen bases and a 1.7 WAR in 98 games last season. Although his 77.0 percent contract rate has remained steady from 2024, his batting average on balls in play plummeted from .316 to .213.

The 27-year-old hardly forced his way back to Boston, as he went 3-for-19 in four games for the WooSox. Yet the Red Sox chose Hamilton over Kristian Campbell and Vaughn Grissom.

A prolonged absence for Mayer would only complicate Boston’s second base situation.

Mayer shifted from third to second to accommodate Bregman. The Red Sox have also played Romy Gonzalez at the keystone position against left-handed pitchers and given Ceddanne Rafaela three starts at second over the last two weeks.

Alex Cora previously said he didn’t want Rafaela, a Gold Glove-caliber center fielder, to play second base more than once a week. Mayer’s injury could force his hand unless Hamilton hits significantly better in his return to Boston.