The Red Sox fell 5-2 to the Dodgers on July 27, 2025, as a tough loss was overshadowed by a significant wrist injury to rookie star Marcelo Mayer.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a Sunday to forget at Fenway Park. Not only did the Red Sox drop the rubber match to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a frustrating 5-2 loss, but the team was dealt a significant blow off the field with the news that rookie standout Marcelo Mayer has been placed on the injured list with a right wrist sprain.
The Red Sox are now 7.5 games back in the AL East.
The series finale against the Dodgers felt like a missed opportunity. Starter Walker Buehler couldn't find his rhythm, surrendering four runs over five innings to take the loss. The offense, meanwhile, was mostly quieted by Dodgers hurler Dustin May. Despite driving in a run each, Wilyer Abreu and Trevor Story couldn't spark a larger rally, as the team consistently failed to get the big hit with runners in scoring position. The loss drops Boston to 56-50 and surrenders a crucial home series to a tough opponent.
Perhaps more damaging than the loss was the pre-game announcement concerning Marcelo Mayer. The third baseman was placed on the 10-day IL with a right wrist sprain, an injury confirmed by a recent MRI. With his return timetable unknown pending further consultation, the Sox lose a key bat and defender. In a corresponding move, the speedy David Hamilton was recalled from Triple-A Worcester to provide much-needed infield depth, but replacing Mayer's production will be a tall task.
While the Mayer news stings, there is some positive movement on the pitching injury front. Reliever Zack Kelly appears close to a return, having tossed a scoreless rehab inning for High-A Greenville where he struck out two. He's on track for a late-July return to the big-league bullpen. Meanwhile, Justin Slaten, out since May with shoulder inflammation, is scheduled to begin throwing off a mound this week, targeting a return sometime in August or September. These potential reinforcements can't come soon enough for a pitching staff in need of depth.
The Red Sox find themselves in a precarious position, falling further behind in the AL East and now missing a key piece of their infield. With the trade deadline looming and a tough schedule ahead, the next week will be critical in determining the direction of this 2025 season. Boston needs to find its footing, and fast, before the hole becomes too deep to climb out of.
