Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras faces mounting uncertainty for Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series on Tuesday after a bone bruise and severe inflammation in his right hand have left him unable to swing a bat for two consecutive days.
The injury stems from last Thursday, when a 92.3 mph sinker from Jakob Junis struck Contreras on the knuckle between the ring finger and pinkie on his right hand during a game against the Texas Rangers in Texas. Subsequent imaging, including a CT scan conducted on Wednesday, confirmed there is no fracture. Even so, the persistent bone bruise and inflammation continue to sideline Boston’s primary offensive producer just days before the team opens its postseason run, most likely at Yankee Stadium.
Contreras managed to take swings ahead of the series opener against the Guardians following the team’s 1-0 defeat to them on Thursday, but excessive swelling prevented him from repeating the activity prior to the final two matchups on Wednesday or Thursday.
Attempting to hit in the cage on both Wednesday and Thursday yielded no positive results. Tried to swing yesterday, couldn’t swing. I tried to swing today and couldn’t swing,
the 34-year-old said.
The physical mechanical issue lies in the anatomy of a right-handed swing. Because the injury is on his top hand, Contreras explained that the right hand feels weaker until he just lets the bat go, noting that it is not a good sign.
I mean, it's really concerning,
said Contreras. “But at the same time, I’m putting all my effort — and everything I can do, I’m doing it. I don’t know what else to say. I’m working hard with the trainers, the hand is slowly getting better. But I haven’t been able to swing the last two days. I’ll be honest with the team. I know Tuesday is a really important game. It’s a really important series, and I’ll be completely honest with the team.”
Chad Tracy on Red Sox double-header
Red Sox manager Chad Tracy noted that it remains doubtful Contreras will play in the doubleheader against the Chicago Cubs on Friday. Boston’s regular season will wrap up with a three-game homestand against the Chicago Cubs, featuring a Friday doubleheader because Sunday’s matchup was called off due to inclement weather.
It’s subtle improvements, but still a little sore,
said Red Sox manager Chad Tracy. So we're just still working through it, obviously with the goal of getting him back for the postseason. Trying really hard to get him in for [the final game of the regular season].
Boston’s Power Hitter Willson Contreras
Not having Contreras, Boston’s best power hitter, would be a big blow for the Red Sox. Across 129 appearances and 533 plate appearances in his debut campaign with Boston, he is enjoying a stellar season characterized by a .276/.387/.518 slash line, 27 home runs, 21 doubles, three triples, 81 RBIs, and a personal-best 152 wRC+.
Should Contreras miss out on the playoff roster, Nick Sogard and Mickey Gasper will continue sharing duties at first base. Utility players Andruw Monasterio and Isiah Kiner-Falefa could chip in as right-handed hitting options. Sogard moved to first base when Contreras was knocked out of the game against the Rangers and has started six straight games at the position.
Willson Contreras Prioritizes The Team’s Chances
Contreras has maintained that he will prioritize the team’s chances over his personal desire to play in October, pledging total transparency with the coaching staff regarding his physical capacity.
If I don’t feel confidence in my hand to be able to play either [in the regular-season finale this weekend] or Tuesday [when the Sox open the AL Wild Card Series], I’ll be completely honest with the team,
the first baseman said. I don’t want to hurt the team in any way. I know that the guys here have been playing every single day, and I respect that. If I don’t feel good, I don’t want to take anybody’s spot. That’s my point.
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