Boston Red Sox top prospect Marcelo Mayer wanted to get away from baseball while minor leaguers got a little bit of time off for the All-Star break.

 

Turns out, Mayer can jump right in after not picking up a bat for a couple days and still rake.

The 21-year-old shortstop showcased his superb talent Friday night when Double-A Portland returned to action against the Reading Fightin Phils. Mayer belted a majestic, two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning off right-hander pitcher Konnor Ash that went over everything at Hadlock Field.

 

Mayer’s eighth home run of the season was the highlight of 3-for-3 performance — he threw in walk for good measure, too. The sterling effort boosted Mayer’s batting average to .309, which is tops in the Eastern League.

Mayer, who is fresh off an appearance at the Futures All-Star Game alongside Kyle Teel and Roman Anthony, continues to make his case to the Red Sox front office for a call up to Triple-A Worcester.

That promotion feels like it could happen any day, especially with the way Mayer has swung the bat in a bounce-back season for him.