PHILADELPHIA — Shortly after scoring on one of the Red Sox’ biggest swings of the season, rookie infielder Marcelo Mayer left Wednesday’s game due to injury. The team said he’s dealing with “right wrist discomfort” but it’s unclear if it’s anything serious.
Mayer kept Boston’s fifth-inning rally alive against Phillies lefty Jesús Luzardo with a two-out walk that loaded the bases, then came around to score when Romy Gonzalez helped the Red Sox flip a 5-0 deficit into a 6-5 lead with a grand slam to left field. After the inning, he was replaced at third base by Abraham Toro. ESPN cameras caught Mayer pointing to the area of his wrist in the dugout after leaving the game.
Mayer, hitting ninth in the finale of a three-game series, struck out and walked before leaving the game. He was playing third base in place of Alex Bregman, who had a scheduled night off as he continues his cautious return from a quad strain. Mayer did not play in Tuesday’s loss.
The Phillies took an early five-run lead Wednesday when Lucas Giolito tied a career-high by allowing four home runs in the first four innings. Then, the previously dominant Luzardo lost the strike zone in the fifth, issuing four walks (including two with the bases loaded) before Gonzalez’s homer.
Entering Wednesday, Mayer had hit .230 with four homers, eight doubles and a .673 OPS in 43 games while admirably manning both third base and second base.
Manager Alex Cora will provide updates on Mayer’s condition after the game.