Alex Cora Won’t Rule Out Playoff Return For Red Sox Rookie

There’s a non-zero chance of a Boston Red Sox player making a shocking return earlier than anticipated.

Marcelo Mayer underwent wrist surgery in August that was expected to end his rookie season with a three-month recovery timetable. The rookie infielder, however, isn’t giving up hope of an October comeback.

Mayer is out of his brace and resuming baseball activities. The 22-year-old has begun playing catch and taking dry swings.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora wouldn’t definitely dismiss the chance of Mayer returning this postseason, per the Boston Globe’s Tim Healey.

“I bet he’s pushing,” Cora said.

Mayer’s return still feels like a long shot that would require a deep playoff run to even consider. The World Series begins on Oct. 24, and Mayer went under the knife on Aug. 20.

A healthy Mayer would give Boston a defensive boost at second base, but he remains a work in progress offensively. The former No. 4 pick batted .228/.272/.402 with four home runs in 44 games with the Red Sox.

Roman Anthony seemed like the Red Sox rookie more likely to return this postseason. The outfielder suffered an oblique injury in early September that was expected to sideline him for four to six weeks.

However, Craig Breslow poured cold water over the prospect of Anthony playing this fall. Boston’s chief baseball officer said earlier this week that Anthony isn’t close to restarting baseball activities.

The Red Sox are one win or Houston Astros loss away from clinching a playoff spot, and they can’t count on Mayer or Anthony returning for a first-round Wild Card series on the road.