Willson Contreras just pulled off a surprise return to the Red Sox lineup, making it official for Wild Card Game 1, even after some major playoff roster questions. With all 162 regular season games in the books, the team is headed to the playoffs starting Tuesday, and this news about Contreras is a massive relief. He was playing DH instead of his usual first base, and only got two at-bats, which definitely left a few folks wondering if he’d reaggravated his hand injury. But Red Sox coach Chad Tracy straight up confirmed Contreras should be available. Phew.
Bullpen Meltdown: A Serious Playoff Problem
Just when you think you’re clear, the other shoe drops, right? This weekend, the pitching staff took a brutal hit. Fireballer Tyron Guerrero, a key reliever, suffered a lat strain. He’s out for at least the first two rounds of the playoffs, assuming the Sox even make it that far. It feels like just yesterday this bullpen, with Guerrero, Aroldis Chapman, Garrett Whitlock, and Erik Miller, was giving people flashbacks to those dominant 2015-16 Royals squads. Now? With Guerrero sidelined and Miller struggling to throw strikes, that pen is officially a massive concern. Chad Tracy put it plainly: “Like we’ve done so much this year with all the different guys that have landed in difficult spots with injuries, you have to move on and have to be ready for Tuesday.” Sounds like they’re just trying to hold it together.
Tanner Houck’s Vibe and Future Hopes
Tanner Houck is one name being floated to fill Guerrero’s spot in the bullpen, but man, he did not look ready today against the Cubs. After the game, he sounded like a guy thinking about next year, not getting geared up for Tuesday. You gotta wonder if his head’s even in the game right now. Meanwhile, all the chatter about Franklin Arias making a postseason appearance? Probably time to put that to bed. Even after one of the best minor league seasons in recent team history, he’s staying ready down in Fort Myers. Arias himself said, “Obviously [the majors is] something that , with the work that I’m putting in , feels close. But I try not to focus on that. I try to just go there, do my thing, perform whenever I can. That’s why we’re down there in Fort Myers, because we want to stay ready. If the call comes, it doesn’t take you by surprise. You’re ready and you’re prepared.” And Caleb Durbin? He’ll almost certainly be on the left side of the infield next year.
So, the playoffs kick off on Tuesday. They’ve got Contreras back, which is huge, but their bullpen situation is a total mess. Can they piece it together for a playoff run? We’re about to find out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Over the Monster.
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