Red Sox's Willson Contreras gives concerning injury update

Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Red Sox's Willson Contreras gives concerning injury update ahead of postseason

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Sep 24, 2026 10:58 PM ET

Just when it looked like the Boston Red Sox were getting healthy ahead of their likely matchup against the New York Yankees in the AL wild-card series, an unfortunate injury update emerged after Thursday's loss.

Willson Contreras may be forced to miss the wild-card series

According to Red Sox beat writer Chris Cotillo, there is significant concern surrounding the availability of first baseman Willson Contreras for the postseason.

Contreras spoke after Thursday's loss and revealed he is not able to swing a bat without pain in his hand. Contreras has been dealing with a hand injury since Sept. 17 when he was hit by a pitch.

Cotillo also reported that Contreras got choked up when thinking about the possibility of missing the wild-card series.

Contreras said he choked up at his locker today thinking about the lack of progress in his hand. Vowed to do everything he could do try to play but also said he’d be honest with the team if not good enough to play. https://t.co/O4Oitf5ByJ
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) September 25, 2026

Willson Contreras: “I haven’t been able to hit back-to-back days. I swung the bat ... two days ago. Tried to swing yesterday, couldn’t swing. I tried to swing today and couldn’t swing. So we’re taking it day by day, putting all my efforts with the trainers on my hand to make it…
— Christopher Smith (@SmittyOnMLB) September 25, 2026

Can the Red Sox overcome the absence of Willson Contreras?

During the absence of Contreras from the lineup, it has been Nick Sogard playing first base. While he's having a solid season (batting .258 with five home runs), it isn't nearly the production that Contreras (batting .276 with 27 home runs) brings to the table.

Boston's offense has recently been in the midst of a slump, managing to score more than four runs in a game just once since Sept. 8.

The Boston Red Sox are struggling offensively down the stretch scoring, just 5 runs with 12 extra-base hits the last 5 games, and averaging just 2.67 runs a game since Sept. 4.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) September 25, 2026

Contreras is as tough as they come in the major leagues, and it is known that he will do everything in his power to get himself ready to play, even if not at 100%.

The possible loss of his bat from the lineup, though, will be tough to overcome, and it could possibly lead to an abrupt end to the Red Sox season after an improbable second half to even get into the playoff picture.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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