Red Sox may need to give Willson Contreras a break before his heavy workload catches up originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Boston Red Sox were finally able to break their losing streak yesterday, with a late-game offensive explosion that put them over the top against the Toronto Blue Jays, 7-1.
The Red Sox took the lead early, off an RBI double from their All-Star first baseman, Willson Contreras. Contreras has been having a career year with Boston, but after some bruises and a cold streak, it might be time to give him a break.
Contreras has been getting pummeled
Kiyoshi Mio - Imagn Images
Over the season, Contreras has been taking blow after blow at the plate. He leads the American League in hit by pitches (HBP), and he’s gotten hit in some nasty places. Last month, he had to miss a few games after getting hit in the foot, and just a couple weeks ago, he had to miss a game after getting pelted in the head.
Even more recently, Contreras missed a game as he wasn’t feeling well. After that, he went 1-14 in his next 15 at bats, and was 4-24 in the month of August. In the past two games though, it seems he’s picked it up, as he hit a home run, the aforementioned double, and got two RBI.
However, some rest might do him good.
Should the Red Sox bench him for a bit?
Kevin Sousa - Imagn Images
It wouldn’t be long, but a 10-day IL stint might be good for Contreras. He’s not been able to play at 100% for a while now, and some time off could make him in the best shape he can be for October play.
The Red Sox have options to take his spot; Nick Sogard, Romy Gonzalez, and even Connor Wong can split time at first base while Contreras takes some time to rest. He’s slashing .280/.389/.529/.918, which is still the best on the team, but it’s near ten points less in terms of AVG and OPS.
Overall, it’s up to Boston. If the last 26 AB’s he’s had are evidence of anything, it’s that the season is catching up to him, and he might need some rest. It might not need to be an IL stint, but giving him more days off might be for the best if Boston wants to truly contend in the postseason.
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