Red Sox place Willson Contreras on IL, recall Mickey Gasper
The Boston Red Sox placed Willson Contreras on the 10-day injured list Monday with a strained left hamstring that has bothered him for more than a month. To fill his roster spot, Boston recalled catcher and first baseman Mickey Gasper from Triple-A Worcester as the club reshapes its lineup during a critical stretch of the season.
The move was announced before Boston opened a three-game series against Seattle. Contreras has been one of the Red Sox's most productive hitters in his first season after an offseason trade from St. Louis, and his absence forces interim manager Chad Tracy to rearrange the lineup at a pivotal moment.
Key Takeaways
- Willson Contreras landed on the 10-day IL with a recurring left hamstring strain that has limited him for over a month.
- Mickey Gasper was recalled from Triple-A Worcester to replace Contreras on the active roster.
- Contreras leads Boston in home runs and RBIs this season, making his absence a significant offensive blow.
- The injury came one day after Roman Anthony and Trevor Story returned and shortly after a 16-1 loss to the New York Yankees.
- Boston entered Monday holding a comfortable lead for the second AL wild-card spot with 25 regular-season games remaining.
Why did the Red Sox place Willson Contreras on the injured list?
Contreras has dealt with hamstring trouble since at least early August. On Aug. 8, he jogged lightly on a ground ball during a loss to the Athletics, drawing loud boos from Fenway Park fans. Interim manager Chad Tracy said the team did not want to risk a worsening injury.
"Just a recurring of the same thing," Tracy told reporters Monday. "Just to the point where, if we've got to give him another few days to let it calm down, it's tough to be short bodies."
The Red Sox decided shutting Contreras down would benefit both the slugger and roster flexibility. Tracy said the goal is to get him "completely over the hump" so he can contribute during the final push. The severity of the strain and a timeline beyond the mandatory 10-day minimum were not immediately disclosed.
Who is Mickey Gasper and how will he replace Contreras?
Mickey Gasper's latest roster move happened in rapid succession. Boston optioned the 30-year-old switch-hitter to Worcester on Sunday while activating Anthony and Story from the injured list. Contreras' injury opened the door for Gasper to return before he spent much time away from the majors.
Gasper has five home runs and 19 RBIs with the Red Sox this season, according to ESPN. He can play first base, catch, or serve as the designated hitter, giving Tracy several ways to cover Contreras' absence.
There is no direct replacement for Contreras' power and experience. His absence puts additional pressure on Anthony and Story to make an immediate offensive impact after their lengthy injury layoffs.
What does Contreras' injury mean for Boston's playoff push?
The 34-year-old Contreras is batting .274 and leads the team with a career-high 26 home runs and 79 RBIs in his first season in Boston. Losing that production stings at a time when the Red Sox are fighting to hold a wild-card spot and just dropped a season series to the Yankees following a 16-1 defeat.
Boston entered Monday with a comfortable lead for the second of three AL wild-card spots. Tracy also announced that right-hander Sonny Gray, who leads the team with a 16-4 record and 2.82 ERA, will have his start pushed from Tuesday to Saturday to give him rest down the stretch.
For more roster moves and breaking updates, follow our Celebrity Breaking News coverage.
When could Willson Contreras return?
Players on the 10-day injured list must remain out for at least 10 days, but Contreras' recurring hamstring issue suggests Boston is prioritizing full recovery over a rushed comeback. Tracy emphasized that the organization wants Contreras healthy for the final weeks of the regular season.
Contreras previously told reporters that his coaching staff knew about his leg issues and that he always plays at full effort when on the field. The Red Sox now hope the IL stint gives him the rest needed to rejoin the lineup when it matters most.