The Boston Red Sox are set to open a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday at 6:45 P.M. EST.
The 17-23 Red Sox completed a series against division rival the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday losing two games to one.
In Sunday’s loss, first baseman Wilson Contreras took a 94 mph sinker on his hand in the bottom of the first inning. The training staff rushed out to tend to their star player, who was in clear discomfort, yet Contreras did not return to the game.
Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy confirmed after the game that the initial scans came back clean.
“The quick scans that we do here came back negative, which is good,” Tracy said, adding that the off day on Monday would help get a better idea of the extent of Contreras’ injury.
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Wilson Contreras Is Out of the Lineup Against the Philadelphia Phillies
While there has been no official report from the Boston Red Sox about Wilson Contreras hitting the IL, Red Sox beat writer Chris Cotillo revealed Tuesday’s starting lineup against the Phillies, and it is without Contreras.
Taking his place is Mickey Gasper who went 3-for-5 with two doubles in his season debut for Boston on Sunday.
Although Chad Tracy and the Red Sox were being ‘cautiously optimistic’ about Contreras’ hand injury, it seems that his injury is not worth rushing to avoid placing another player on the IL.
Red Sox reporter Gabriela Starr shared to X that Contreras is doing much better and will be taking pregame drills according to Tracy.
“Just felt like today was a day to give him a little bit more rest and make sure that he gets through all that and feels good,” Tracy said.
In 39 games, Contreras posted a .846 OPS with a .259/.380/.467 slash line, eight home runs, and 23 RBIs leading the team.
Since Opening Day, Contreras has been a key contributor to the Red Sox’s struggling offense.
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Boston Red Sox Injury List Heading Into Phillies Series
The Boston Red Sox have had a tumultuous start to 2026.
Injuries have riddled the clubhouse as they have 10 players on the injury list, not including Wilson Contreras, as of May 12.
Outfielder Roman Anthony hit the IL on May 5 with a right wrist sprain right as his bat began to get hot.
Not to mention first baseman Triston Casas started the season off on the 15-day IL before getting transferred to the 60-day IL on April 22. Casas was in rehab for a left knee surgery, but suffered a left abdominal strain that is prolonging his stint.
On the pitching side of Boston, the Red Sox have seven pitchers on the IL, including starting pitchers Ranger Suarez, Garrett Crochet, and Patrick Sandoval.
The Athletic’s Jen McCaffery does provide an encouraging update on Contreras, Anthony, and Crotchet’s injuries ahead of the Phillies game:
“Contreras hit in the cage and feeling better but they’re giving him one more day. Anthony progressing but still no baseball activities. Full grip strength to grip a bat is his next test. Crochet also progressing and just began throwing off a mound. He’d gotten out to 120 on Sun.”
Contreras and Anthony are key components to the Boston lineup, while Crotchet is not only of the team’s best pitchers, but is necessary for their rotation due to their lack of pitching depth.
Phillies vs. Red Sox Official Lineups
While both the Philadelphia Phillies and the Boston Red Sox have confirmed their batting order for the game, the Red Sox have yet to make their selection for starting pitcher. However, Zack Wheeler is slotted to take the mound for the Phillies.
Phillies lineup:
- Trea Turner (R) SS
- Kyle Schwarber (L) DH
- Bryce Harper (L) 1B
- Adolis García (R) RF
- Brandon Marsh (L) LF
- J.T. Realmuto (R) C
- Bryson Stott (L) 2B
- Alec Bohm (R) 3B
- Justin Crawford (L) CF
Red Sox Lineup:
- Jarren Duran (L) LF
- Mickey Gasper (S) 1B
- Wilyer Abreu (L) RF
- Masataka Yoshida (L) DH
- Trevor Story (R) SS
- Ceddanne Rafaela (R) CF
- Marcelo Mayer (L) 2B
- Carlos Narváez (R) C
- Caleb Durbin (R) 3B
Starting pitcher TBD
Boston Red Sox Leave Key Player Out of Lineup Following Injury Scare