Willson Contreras
Breakdown
Performance
NewsPowered by
Powered by
July 9, 2026
Suspension reduced to five games
Contreras' suspension for his actions in the June 30 game against the Nationals has been reduced from seven games to five games, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
Contreras will begin serving the suspension Thursday and will be reinstated before the second game of a doubleheader versus the Rays on July 17. The first baseman had already been slated to sit out Thursday's game with a left foot contusion, but the injury should no longer be an issue by the time Contreras is eligible for reinstatement. Brett Harris is starting at first base for the Red Sox on Thursday, and he could share the position with Romy Gonzalez while Contreras is unavailable.
July 9, 2026
Held out of Thursday's lineup
Contreras (foot) is not in the lineup for Thursday's game versus the White Sox.
Analysis
Contreras fouled a ball off his left foot in Wednesday's contest and eventually exited with a contusion. He is considered day-to-day. Brett Harris is up from Triple-A Worcester and starting at first base for the Red Sox in the series finale.
July 9, 2026
Departs with foot injury
Contreras was removed from Wednesday's game against the White Sox with a left foot contusion, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
Contreras fouled a ball off his foot during his at-bat in the top of the third inning, and although he managed to finish the plate appearance, he later took himself out of the game in the bottom of the frame. The initial diagnosis suggests he avoided a fracture, though the Red Sox could hold him out for a game or two so he can recover. Romy Gonzalez entered Wednesday's game as Contreras' replacement and would be the favorite to start at first base if an absence is needed.
July 6, 2026
Crushes 20th homer
Contreras went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run and a walk in Sunday's 7-5 win over the Angels.
Analysis
Contreras' lone hit was a big one, as he crushed a 446-foot, three-run homer to left field in the third inning to give the Red Sox a lead they wouldn't relinquish. The veteran has now matched his season total of 20 homers from last year with the Cardinals and is on pace to eclipse his career high of 24 long balls, set with the Cubs in 2019. Overall, the first baseman has been excellent at the plate in 2026, slashing .284/.378/.542 with 37 extra-base hits, 59 RBI, 45 runs and two stolen bases across 86 games.
July 5, 2026
Belts three-run homer
Contreras went 1-for-5 with a three-run home run in an 8-1 victory versus the Angels on Saturday.
Analysis
Contreras was handed a seven-game suspension Thursday for his role in a dust-up between Boston and Washington on Tuesday, but the veteran first baseman is able to continue playing during his appeal. That paid off big time for Boston, as Contreras clubbed a three-run homer in the first inning Saturday to give the team a lead they didn't relinquish. Contreras wasn't among the players announced for the AL All-Star team Saturday, but he's certainly put up worthy numbers in the first half. Through 85 games, he's slashing .285/.378/.536 with 19 home runs, 56 RBI, 44 runs and two stolen bases.