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.

Marcelo Mayer's injury is leading to a lot of moving parts for the Red Sox. It could also impact how Craig Breslow approaches next week's trade deadline.

After Mayer’s injury, the Red Sox recalled infielder David Hamilton, and though Hamilton will see some time at second, Rafaela’s offense has been too valuable to the lineup. Playing him at second and Duran in center makes the offense stronger. The moving parts have been a challenge for manager Alex Cora much of the season and even more so now.