Marcelo Mayer’s expected promotion to Triple-A may have to wait just a little bit longer.

The top Red Sox prospect was placed on the 7-day injured list with hip irritation Thursday morning, though a Red Sox source said he just “needs a few days,” suggesting the talented shortstop shouldn’t be sidelined for long.

Mayer was removed from Tuesday’s game with the Portland Sea Dogs and did not play Wednesday night either, but prior to the injury the 21-year-old was putting the finishing touches on a spectacular season in Double-A. In 77 games with the Sea Dogs this season he’s batted .307 with eight home runs, 38 RBI, 10 stolen bases, 28 doubles and an .850 OPS while playing strong defense up the middle.

Mayer also participated in the MLB All-Star Futures Games and currently ranks as baseball’s No. 10 prospect according to Baseball America.

With the logjam of middle infielders at Triple-A somewhat cleared following the trade deadline, the expectation was Mayer and fellow top prospects Kyle Teel and Roman Anthony could move up to Worcester in the very near future. Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said Tuesday those kinds of promotions are discussed weekly and they would make a decision on what moves to make next this coming Monday, suggesting that could be the date some or all of the ‘Big Three’ could get called up.

In the meantime, second baseman Ahbram Liendo was called up from High-A Greenville to fill Mayer’s spot on the Sea Dogs roster.