The All-Star first baseman has missed the last eight games after being hit by a pitch.
The Boston Red Sox have been without All-Star first baseman Willson Contreras for the last week after the 34-year-old slugger exited the team's 4-3 win over the Texas Rangers on Sept. 17. Contreras dodged a major bullet in the days following the injury, as X-rays showed no signs of a break. He appeared to be making progress throughout the week, as he was seen on the field going through workouts.
However, Contreras gave a worrying update after Thursday night’s loss to the Cleveland Guardians, raising doubts about whether he’ll be available for next week’s Wild Card series.
Sep 17, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (40) reacts after being hit by a pitch against the Texas Rangers during the eighth inning at Globe Life Field. Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images“I haven’t been able to hit back-to-back days. I swung the bat...two days ago. I tried to swing yesterday but couldn’t. I tried to swing today and couldn’t swing. So we’re taking it day by day, putting all my efforts with the trainers on my hand to make it feel better. As of now, I don’t think I’m playing tomorrow,” Contreras told MassLive.com’s Christopher Smith. “My hand hurts. I mean when it hurts, it hurts… It’s not a good sign. Again, I’m doing everything that I can to come back and play with the boys and be there with the boys, but sometimes you have to listen to your body,” he continued.
The loss of Contreras would be a massive blow to a Red Sox offense that has been one of the worst in baseball in September. The 34-year-old has been undeniably Boston’s best hitter in 2026, hitting .276/.387/.518/.905 with a career-high 27 home runs in 129 games en route to his third All-Star appearance. Contreras leads the team in home runs, RBI, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS.
Sep 17, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (40) leaves the game with interim manager Chad Tracy (17) after being hit by a pitch during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Raymond Carlin III-Imagn ImagesManager Chad Tracy struck a more hopeful tone on Contreras’ availability, telling reporters he’s made “subtle improvements.” “It’s way improved from what it was; it’s getting better over the first couple of days… we’re getting closer, so just gotta wait,” he continued.
With the Red Sox’ fate all but sealed, Contreras’ health will undoubtedly be the main focus throughout the final weekend of the regular season.
Contreras was acquired prior to the 2026 season from the St. Louis Cardinals. It's one of multiple deals that the Red Sox struck with St. Louis, also acquiring right-handed pitcher Sonny Gray, who has been one of the best pitchers in the American League this season.
In other Red Sox injury news
Boston Red Sox left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet continues his comeback from left shoulder inflammation during a side session at Polar Park on Sept. 19, 2026. USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectAccording to Smith, 2025 American League Cy Young runner-up Garrett Crochet will head down to the Red Sox’ spring training facilities in Ft. Myers, where he will throw his second live bullpen. Crochet hopes to return to the mound in a bullpen role for the postseason run.
Up next for the Sox
With a nor’easter expected to hit New England over the weekend, the Red Sox and Chicago Cubs will open the final regular-season series with a day-night doubleheader on Friday. Alec Gamboa (1-0, 1.16 ERA) will get the start for Boston in game one opposite Clay Holmes (6-8, 3.25 ERA) for Chicago. First pitch from Fenway is set for 1:05 p.m. ET.
It remains unclear what will happen for the series finale on Sunday.
