Red Sox open Anaheim road trip as Contreras suspension looms
The Boston Red Sox open a nine-game road trip Friday in Anaheim against the Los Angeles Angels, with Willson Contreras eligible for now despite a seven-game suspension tied to Tuesday's benches-clearing brawl with Washington. The Red Sox (37-48) send Jake Bennett against Reid Detmers as Contreras's appeal—and Boston's urgent road stretch—hang over the red sox angels opener.
Key Takeaways
- Boston begins a nine-game, cross-country road trip with a three-game series against the Angels in Anaheim.
- Willson Contreras received a seven-game suspension and fine after Tuesday's Nationals brawl, but can play while his appeal is pending.
- Friday's series opener pits left-handers Jake Bennett (2-3, 3.27 ERA) against Reid Detmers (3-5, 3.88 ERA) at 9:38 p.m. on NESN.
- The Red Sox are 37-48 and last in the AL East; the Angels are 36-52 and last in the AL West.
- After Anaheim, Boston visits Chicago and New York for three games each before heading home.
Why Are the Red Sox in Anaheim Now?
Thursday was a travel day for Boston as the club left Fenway for the West Coast, according to Newsradio 95 WXTK. The Sox open a three-game weekend series against the Angels, then play three in Chicago against the White Sox and three against the Mets in New York before heading home.
Game 86 is set for Friday at 9:38 p.m. in Anaheim on NESN. The Boston Globe lists Boston at 37-48 and Los Angeles at 36-52, with both clubs in last place in their divisions. After a four-game sweep of the Yankees, per Over the Monster, the Nationals series turned messy—and now the red sox angels trip begins under a cloud.
How Does the Willson Contreras Suspension Affect the Series?
Major League Baseball handed Contreras a seven-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for his role in Tuesday's benches-clearing incident with the Nationals at Fenway Park, the Globe reported. Outfielder Nate Eaton also received a three-game ban. Contreras has played 82 of Boston's 83 games at first base and leads the club in home runs (18) and RBIs (53).
Contreras is expected to appeal, and the hearing likely will not come until Monday after the holiday weekend. Until a decision is reached, he remains eligible to play. Over the Monster framed the stakes plainly: for a crucial road stretch, the Red Sox may be without their best player this season if the ban is upheld—making every at-bat in Anaheim worth watching.
Who Is on the Mound for the Red Sox and Angels?
Rookie left-hander Jake Bennett (2-3, 3.27 ERA) gets the ball for Boston in his seventh career start and his first against Los Angeles. Bennett arrives off a strong outing against the Yankees—6.1 innings and one run, according to Over the Monster—giving the rotation momentum on the road.
Angels lefty Reid Detmers (3-5, 3.88 ERA) counters after a sharp June in which he posted a 2.27 ERA across five starts, allowing 17 hits in 31⅔ innings with 30 strikeouts. Detmers is 3-1 with a 1.72 ERA in nine career appearances (five starts) against Boston, per the Globe. Los Angeles enters having won four straight home series.
What Happens Next on This Road Trip?
After the Angels series runs through the July Fourth weekend, the Red Sox head to Chicago and then New York for three games apiece. Over the Monster called this one of the most important stretches left on the schedule—a run of games against struggling clubs plus a White Sox team that has played well.
Follow more celebrity breaking news coverage as the Contreras appeal timeline clears up. For now, Anaheim is where Boston's nine-game journey—and the suspense over its best bat—officially starts.