Willson Contreras Sustained Hand Injury in Red Sox Win
The Boston catcher was hit by a pitch during Thursday night's 4-3 victory over Texas.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Baseball
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Red Sox catcher Willson Contreras suffered a bruised right hand after being struck by a pitch during the eighth inning of Thursday's 4-3 win over Texas. Although X-rays returned negative for fractures, the catcher exited the game due to lingering pain and numbness.
Why it matters
Contreras's absence from the lineup poses a significant challenge for Boston as the team navigates a tight schedule. His status is particularly critical given his high frequency of being hit by pitches, which ranks him third in the major leagues this season.
Contreras currently ranks third in the major leagues for hit-by-pitches this season. Boston secured a narrow 4-3 victory over Texas despite the injury occurring in the eighth inning.
The players
Willson Contreras
He is the starting catcher for the Boston Red Sox.
Trevor Story
He is a Boston Red Sox infielder who hit a three-run home run in the eighth inning.
Jakob Junis
He is a pitcher for the Texas Rangers.
The details
After being struck by a first-pitch sinker from Texas pitcher Jakob Junis, Contreras was evaluated on the field by a trainer before leaving the contest. While initial medical imaging cleared him of fractures, the injury sidelined him for the remainder of the game.
Timeline
September 17, 2026: Contreras was hit by a pitch in the eighth inning.
September 18, 2026: Boston plays its series opener against the Rays.
Season Trajectory
The injury disrupts Boston's momentum as the team fights to secure a favorable postseason spot. With a potential showdown against the Yankees in the AL Wild Card series on the horizon, the loss of a starting catcher impacts both defensive consistency and the team's playoff depth.
Contreras is unlikely to start the upcoming series opener against Tampa, forcing the team to adjust its defensive rotation. Fantasy managers should monitor his availability closely, as his high hit-by-pitch rate continues to pose an injury risk to his playing time.
The takeaway
Sudden injuries to key starters often test the depth of a roster during the final stretch of the regular season. Keeping versatile backups prepared for last-minute lineup changes is a critical strategy for teams competing for a playoff berth.
Further reading
For more updates on the roster, visit the Baseball section.
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