Marcelo Mayer, the Boston Red Sox’s No. 2 prospect, made his Major League debut on Saturday night against the Baltimore Orioles — but getting to Fenway Park was a bit unconventional. The 22-year-old infielder didn’t drive himself because he lost his car keys about three weeks ago. Instead, a clubhouse staffer gave him a lift from Triple-A Worcester while Mayer spent the 45-minute ride answering a flood of messages from friends and family.
Mayer, who was promoted after third baseman Alex Bregman went on the 10-day injured list with a right quad strain, played third base and batted sixth. Although he went 0-for-4 in Boston’s 2-1 loss in the second game of a split doubleheader, his Fenway debut was met with a standing ovation that left a lasting impression.
“It was incredible,” Mayer said. “I’ve never felt anything like that. I just finished texting my friends and family about it. It’s something I’ll remember forever.”
The former No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 draft admitted he may have tried too hard at the plate, particularly with runners on base. “Next time, I need to stay more relaxed,” he reflected.
His call-up came as a surprise. Mayer recalled being scratched from Worcester’s first game of the day and later being told he’d be playing — but not in Worcester. “You’re playing in Fenway,” his manager told him.
The ride to Boston, normally a hassle with traffic, turned into a moment of calm. “I used the time to just chill and catch up on texts,” Mayer said. The first person he contacted? His dad.
“It was surreal,” Mayer added. “The emotions were high. It’s something my family and I have worked toward for so long, and I wanted to share that moment with them before anything else.”
