BOSTON -- The Boston Red Sox have caught the injury bug in recent weeks as they look to give key contributors who have been dealing with nagging injuries some rest ahead of the final weeks of the regular season and playoffs. Among the players on the injured list is All-Star first baseman Willson Contreras, who landed on the IL on Aug. 31 with a hamstring strain. After taking batting practice on the field ahead of Wednesday's loss to Los Angeles, it was determined that Contreras would join Double-A Portland on Friday night for a short rehab appearance that would last either one or two games. 

Here's what you need to know about Contreras' performance:  

The 34-year-old Contreras served as Portland's designated hitter, batting fourth as they took on the Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets, the Binghamton Mets, in game four of a six-game series at Hadlock Field. Contreras' first at-bat of the night came in the bottom of the first inning against New York's No. 30 prospect, right-hander RJ Gordon. After falling behind in the count 1-2, Contreras took a center-cut pitch from Gordon, ripping it to left field for a single. 

With Gordon still on the mound for Binghamton, Contreras' second at-bat of the night came in the bottom of the second inning with Portland now leading 3-0 and men on second and third and two outs. Again Contreras delivered, hitting a two RBI single to center field, extending Portland early lead to five, 5-0. 

After starting his night 2-for-2 with a pair of RBIs, Contreras' night got more difficult in his third at-bat as Binghamton turned to reliever Cionel Perez, who is on a rehab assignment of his own, for the bottom of the fourth inning. After working the count full, Perez got Contreras to cut through a center-cut pitch for strike three, retiring the All-Star for the first time of the night. 

With Portland now leading 8-2 in the bottom of the sixth inning, Boston's No. 2 prospect Justin Gonzales led off by working a walk before No. 5-ranked prospect Henry Godbout hit a single, sending Gonzales to third. Contreas again stepped to the plate with a chance to do damage against Binghamton reliever Luis Rodriguez. However, he was unable to capitalize on his opportunity, striking out on three pitches for his second strikeout of the night. 

Contreras' spot in the lineup came back around in the bottom of the eighth inning; however, he was pinch-hit for by Caden Rose. The 34-year-old All-Star finished the night 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI and two strikeouts. 

It remains unclear what Contreras's next steps will be after Friday night's game in Portland. Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy told reporters on Wednesday that Contreras would be in Portland for either one or two games, so we'll likely have a better idea of what lies ahead after the conclusion of Boston's contest against Kansas City on Friday night. However, the team may have seen enough to activate the All-Star ahead of Saturday's game against the Royals. 

The Red Sox are 80-67 and in third place in the American League East.