Red Sox Rookie Gives Fans Hope With Health Update

Boston Red Sox rookie infielder Marcelo Mayer has avoided season-ending surgery — for now.

Mayer has been sidelined since July 23 with a sprained right wrist. As it turns out, the injury was more serious than initially disclosed.

Mayer revealed Tuesday that he is dealing with a triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) issue, an injury that affects the cartilage and ligament structure in the wrist.

“Surgery was on the table,” Mayer said, as transcribed by Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe. “I want to play and I want to get back on the field as soon as possible. We have a great team, and all I want to do is play.”

Rather than undergo a procedure that would have likely ended his season, Mayer opted for a cortisone injection over the weekend. He described the difference as “100 percent” since receiving the shot, though he is still not cleared to resume throwing or hitting. The next step will involve strengthening and improving his range of motion.

The 22-year-old, who made his big league debut in late May, has appeared in 44 games and hit .228 with four home runs and a .674 OPS. He started at third base while Alex Bregman was on the injured list, then moved to second base when Bregman returned.

Mayer has missed 10 games and will miss at least a few more. He will not be traveling with the team for this weekend’s road series in San Diego, where he would have had a chance to play close to home for the first time.

“Obviously, it sucks I’m not going to be going to San Diego,” he said. “But I have business to take care of.”

For now, Mayer will remain in Boston and continue rehab in hopes of returning before the season ends.