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Red Sox’ Alex Cora Makes Decision After Unfortunate Injury News
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

It's not easy for a team to stay in contention after trading its best player, but that's exactly what the Boston Red Sox are doing. They traded star designated hitter/third baseman Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants in June, but they still own the AL's third Wild Card spot ahead of Friday's bout with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Devers was one of the most productive hitters in Boston's lineup, slashing .272/.401/.504 with 15 homers and 58 RBI over 73 games for the club. However, other players like left fielder Jarren Duran, shortstop Trevor Story, third baseman Alex Bregman, and center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela have kept the offense afloat. Bregman made the All-Star team this season, along with starting pitcher Garrett Crochet and closer Aroldis Chapman.

However, the Red Sox could also be without another position player for an extended period. Rookie infielder Marcelo Mayer, who left Wednesday's game with "wrist discomfort," could get surgery for the injury, via The Boston Globe's Tim Healey.

“We’re gathering information,” Cora said. “We’ll get more over the weekend, during the week. Whenever we get to the point to see what’s going to happen, we’ll let you know.”

The manager also announced that Rafaela will play more second base with Mayer out indefinitely, via Healey.

Mayer is slashing .228/.272/.402 with four homers and 10 RBI over 44 games this season. Meanwhile, Rafaela is slashing .271/.312/.468 with 14 homers and 48 RBI over 98 contests.

Right-handed pitcher Brayan Bello (6-4, 3.23 ERA) will start for the Red Sox on Friday against Dodgers right-hander Emmet Sheehan (1-1, 4.41 ERA).

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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