The Red Sox dropped their July 27 game to the Dodgers 5-2, but the bigger loss is star rookie Marcelo Mayer heading to the IL with a wrist sprain. Read more.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a Sunday to forget at Fenway Park. Not only did the Red Sox offense go quiet in a 5-2 series-ending loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the team received a gut punch with the news that star rookie Marcelo Mayer is heading to the injured list with a right wrist sprain, leaving a massive hole in the infield and in the hearts of the Fenway Faithful.
With Mayer sidelined, the Red Sox now have seven key contributors on the injured list, including six pitchers, as the trade deadline looms.
The bats simply couldn't get going against the Dodgers' pitching staff. Despite a sellout crowd roaring them on, the Sox managed just two runs in the 5-2 defeat. Wilyer Abreu and Trevor Story provided the only RBIs, but it wasn't nearly enough to counter a Los Angeles attack that included Shohei Ohtani's 38th home run of the year. Starter Walker Buehler battled but was tagged with his sixth loss, his ERA ballooning to 5.72, as the team fell to 56-51 on the season.
Losing a game is one thing, but losing your dynamic starting third baseman is another blow entirely. The Red Sox placed Marcelo Mayer on the 10-day IL with a right wrist sprain, an injury that is notoriously tricky for hitters. The team is awaiting further evaluation to determine a timeline, but any extended absence for the top prospect is a major setback. In his place, the speedy David Hamilton has been recalled from Worcester, but replacing Mayer's production and presence will be a tall task.
Mayer's injury adds to an already concerning health situation, particularly on the mound. The Red Sox are trying to stay afloat in the AL East race without a staggering list of arms: Lucas Giolito, Kutter Crawford, Brayan Bello, Zach Penrod, Chris Murphy, and Liam Hendriks all remain on the shelf. There is a glimmer of hope on the horizon, as reliever Zack Kelly pitched a scoreless rehab inning and is expected back soon. Still, the starting rotation and bullpen are stretched perilously thin.
Even on a tough day, there were a few individual accomplishments to note. Wilyer Abreu continued his breakout season, launching his 20th home run of the year during the series, a new career high. Trevor Story also quietly reached the 60 RBI mark for the season, providing a steady presence. The players also took to social media to thank the fans for the consistent sellout crowds, a testament to the passion of the fanbase even through the team's struggles.
With the team battered, bruised, and now missing a cornerstone piece in Mayer, all eyes turn to the front office. The trade deadline is just days away, and the pressure is mounting to make a move—or several—to reinforce this depleted roster. Can the Sox weather this storm and make a legitimate push for October, or will injuries ultimately derail their 2025 campaign? The next few days will be critical.
