Red Sox's Craig Breslow Denies Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony Had Issues Before Giants Trade

The Boston Red Sox traded Marcelo Mayer to the San Francisco Giants, but chief baseball officer Craig Breslow still took the time to dismiss any rumors that there were off-field issues with the infielder or outfielder Roman Anthony.

"I think nonsense is a good characterization of that," he said Thursday during an appearance on WEEI (1:10 mark). "There are no issues with Marcelo and Roman off the field. … There are no issues, there never were issues. Marcelo and Roman are great guys and very talented who were doing everything they can to get back on the field."

Mayer figured to be a key part of Boston's future as the No. 4 overall pick of the 2021 MLB draft, but he never quite lived up to expectations. Now he will look to turn things around with a change of scenery.

The Red Sox dealt him to San Francisco in exchange for relief pitcher Erik Miller.

Injuries are a large reason Mayer is yet to live up to expectations, as he dealt with a wrist injury that required season-ending surgery last year. He also hasn't played since June 25 this season due to a bone stress reaction in his left forearm.

As for Anthony, he hasn't played since May 4 because of a torn finger tendon.

The injuries and the Mayer trade have done nothing to slow down Boston, though, as it enters Thursday's contest against the Chicago White Sox having won 25 of the last 28 games. It is still 5.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays but just one game behind the rival New York Yankees for the top American League wild-card spot.

The Red Sox figure to be even better positioned for a late run if Anthony returns, while Mayer will look to play well in San Francisco.