Where will Marcelo Mayer play in the field when the SF Giants call him up?

If all goes according to plan, the SF Giants will call up former top prospect Marcelo Mayer ahead of the three-game series against the Boston Red Sox. Where will he play in the field?

This will be an odd series for Mayer, along with the Red Sox and their fans. After all, they had hoped that he would be part of a young core that eventually leads them to the playoffs after his was selected with the No. 4 pick in the 2021 draft. The Red Sox could reach the playoffs as soon as this year, but Mayer will not be part of that team.

Instead, Mayer was traded to the Giants in a deal that sent Erik Miller and outfield prospect Carlos Gutierrez to Boston.

At the time of the trade, the left-handed bat was recovering from a forearm injury, and had begun ramping up baseball activities. He began a rehab assignment with the Sacramento River Cats, and hit a home run in his first game back.

Mayer tallied six hits, including that home run, with three RBI in 17 at-bats with the River Cats. He was out of Wednesday's lineup, which could be interpreted as a sign that his assignment is over and that he is traveling across the country to join the Giants.

Marcelo Mayer offers versatility for the SF Giants but has spent the most time at second base in his rehab assignment

The Giants hope to get a good evaluation on Mayer before the end of the year, and they hope that it begins as soon as this weekend. There is a clear path to playing time in the infield following the injuries to Matt Chapman and Casey Schmitt, as well as the Luis Arráez trade.

That said, what position will Mayer play? If his rehab assignment is any indication, it looks like he is expected to see time at second base. He appeared in four games in the infield with Sacramento, including three games at second base. The other was at third base.

There is plenty of playing time at both positions, so the Giants do not have to get all that creative to make this work. Of course, the 23-year-old infielder has spent the bulk of his time at shortstop in the minors.

The Giants have coverage at that position with Willy Adames. That said, Adames' defense has been a glaring weakness this year, and part of that is likely due to injury. At this point, it is highly questionable that he continues to push himself to play each day and that the Giants are allowing it. Mayer could give Adames some extra rest down the stretch.

The Giants do not have to overthink where they play Mayer. If he hits well enough to give them confidence that he can help next year, they will find playing time.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow