Willson Contreras, the Boston Red Sox slugger, exited Wednesday’s game after the fourth inning because of illness. This makes it the second time in less than a week that the guy has had to leave a game early, and you’ve gotta wonder what’s going on. Nick Sogard, who started at second base, shifted to first, and Anthony Seigler came in at second for him in the top of the fifth inning against the White Sox at Fenway Park.
Another Early Exit, Another Scare
Interim manager Chad Tracy spilled the beans after the 4-0 win, saying Contreras was “a little under the weather.” Tracy added that Contreras was “feeling a little sick and then we took some temperatures as the game was going. Temperature started to go up. He started to get a little dizzy so we thought it was best to get him out of there.” Before heading out, Contreras managed an RBI single in the first inning and then walked in the third against Chicago starter Sean Burke. He even played four innings in the field, like a trooper.
A Season Full of Unexpected Time Off
This isn’t a one-off thing, either. Last Friday in Los Angeles, Contreras got drilled in the head by a blistering 95 mph pitch from righty Will Klein. That knock took him out of that game, and he had to miss Saturday’s action while getting tested for a concussion. He bounced back to play on Sunday and started Tuesday’s win over the White Sox, too, showing some real grit. But wait, there’s more. Back in mid-July, he was benched for five games. Why? A suspension for getting tangled up in a benches-clearing brawl with the Nationals and their right-hander Cade Cavalli.
Boston’s Top Bat Can’t Stay on the Field
It’s his first season with the Red Sox, and the guy has been an absolute beast when he’s out there. Contreras leads the club in home runs with 23, RBIs with 69, and boasts a .931 OPS among qualified hitters. He even snagged an American League All-Star team selection just last month. He’s started 103 of Boston’s first 113 games at first base, plus another one at designated hitter. The Red Sox pulled off a 4-0 shutout win, their seventh straight victory and their eleventh shutout of the season. But with their top slugger getting pulled for illness again, Boston fans have to be holding their breath wondering if their incredible win streak can survive these repeated hits to their lineup.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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