Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras was forced to exit Sunday's matchup against the Rays after a painful fastball from Tampa Bay's Nick Martinez caught him squarely on the right hand. The incident occurred at the end of the first inning, with Contreras visibly shaking his hand in discomfort and stopping short between home plate and first base.
Boston's interim manager Chad Tracy and a team trainer rushed out to check on the slugger, who had been looking solid at the plate this season. Despite the obvious pain, Contreras initially stayed in the game to complete the Red Sox's at-bats, but was replaced by Andruw Monasterio at first base when the top of the second inning rolled around.
This isn't a new experience for Contreras, who ranks among MLB leaders in getting plunked by pitches. Sunday's hit-by-pitch marked his eighth of the season, highlighting how often opposing pitchers have found a way to disrupt his rhythm at the plate. For fans and fantasy owners alike, the hope is that the bruise is minor and Contreras can return quickly to anchor Boston's lineup.
