The fifth inning proved pivotal, as Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras exited with lower back tightness while fielding a grounder at first. He was replaced by Andruw Monasterio, leaving Boston without its most productive hitter to start the season.
Manager Alex Cora provided an update after the game, saying early indications were cautiously positive. The club trainers believe the injury is minor, but Boston will monitor Contreras closely with an off day looming and a game Friday remaining in question.
Contreras has been a steady presence since Opening Day, hitting .298 with three homers and 11 RBIs through 17 games. Beyond the numbers, he has been a leadership voice and a defensive stabilizer at first base, making depth at the position a concern if he misses time.
Boston will wait to see how Contreras feels on Wednesday, with Thursday off granting a brief window to assess prognosis and potential return. If he can return quickly, the team would mitigate the impact; if not, Sanctions for first-base depth, already thin, could surface in the roster plans.
The broader context puts added weight on Contreras’ status as the Red Sox seek consistency in a season that has started unevenly. The team will balance caution with the need for production as they evaluate internal options and potential moves to cover first base if injury further lingers.
