WORCESTER, Mass. — Marcelo Mayer won’t be too far behind Kristian Campbell for his MLB debut with the Boston Red Sox.
Mayer starts the season with Triple-A Worcester along with top prospect Roman Anthony. Mayer earned the call from Double-A Portland last August but never played a game at the new level when nagging injuries shut down his season.
The Red Sox have solidified starters at shortstop and third base in the big leagues with Trevor Story and Alex Bregman, respectively. Mayer recognizes that and made a commitment to versatility in an attempt to speed up his big-league promotion and help the club on a fill-in basis to start.
“I’ll definitely be playing around the infield this year more than I have in my career,” Mayer told reporters Thursday at Polar Park. “That’s just a testament to staying ready at every position. Wherever my opportunity is and when my time is called, I’ll be ready.”
Mayer is a natural shortstop and should be the future of that position one day for the Red Sox. For now, his ability to grow at third or second base additionally should help his appeal to the MLB club.
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“I’ve definitely had experience this offseason and I played a few games there in spring training,” Mayer said. “I’m not as comfortable as I am at shortstop. I love a challenge and I feel comfortable in those spots as well.”
Mayer’s potential is real and he offered such a reminder this spring. It’s only a matter of time before he impacts the Red Sox in a big way.
Featured image via Tayla Bolduc/WooSox
