The Boston Red Sox may have to finish the 2025 season without a rising young talent.

Marcelo Mayer went on the injured list last month with a sprained wrist. The 22-year-old rookie is trying to return for a playoff push, but that’s reportedly not a definite outcome.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported Sunday that Mayer’s injury is “more serious” than initially thought. He could undergo season-ending surgery after consulting with specialists.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Saturday that Mayer would receive an anti-inflammation injection in his wrist. The team hoped that step could expedite his return, depending on how he responded to the treatment.

“He really wants to get back, and this is the route,” Cora said, “We’ll see how he reacts to it, then we’ll go from there… We have to wait three days to see if it works, and then he starts doing baseball activities.”

Mayer made his highly anticipated Red Sox debut on May 24. He batted .228/.272/.402 with four home runs in 44 games.

Right before the injury, Mayer shifted from third base to second following Alex Bregman’s return. His injury has prompted Cora to give center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela more reps at second.

Mayer flashed power upside in his first big-league cup of coffee, and the Red Sox will miss his defense if he can’t return during the final two months. Yet he’s far too important to Boston’s future to take any chances.