Red Sox Reveal Willson Contreras Update After Dodgers Game

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Red Sox Reveal Willson Contreras Update After Dodgers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Aug 2, 2026 2:55 PM ET

The Boston Red Sox appear set to have one of their biggest bats back in the lineup for Sunday's series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Interim manager Chad Tracy said All-Star first baseman Willson Contreras is expected to return after sitting out Saturday's 3-2 win as a precaution. According to the Boston Herald's Mac Cerullo, Contreras woke up feeling well, completed his pregame testing and avoided a trip to the injured list.

Contreras exited Friday night's victory after being struck in the helmet by a 95.4 mph fastball from Dodgers reliever Will Klein, triggering Major League Baseball's concussion protocol. Boston kept him out of Saturday's game for additional evaluation, but the latest update suggests the club believes he is ready to return.

Chad Tracy says the plan is for Willson Contreras to play tomorrow.
— Mac Cerullo (@MacCerullo) August 2, 2026

The timing is significant for a Red Sox team that continues to battle for an American League Wild Card spot. Boston improved to 59-51 after Saturday's win and remains within striking distance in the postseason race.

Contreras has been one of the club's most productive hitters this season, batting .288 with 23 home runs, 67 RBIs and a .396 on-base percentage across 102 games. His return would restore a key presence in the middle of Boston's lineup after the team managed consecutive wins over Los Angeles without him.

Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (40) Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Nick Sogard started at first base during Saturday's victory and helped fill the defensive void while Contreras recovered from the frightening hit-by-pitch.

Although the incident initially raised concerns about a possible concussion-related absence, Tracy's update indicates the Red Sox have avoided a longer-term setback. If Contreras returns as expected Sunday, Boston will have its All-Star slugger back for the final game of the series as it looks to carry momentum into the next stretch of the regular season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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