​CHICAGO — After nearly a week of uncertainty, Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras finally received clarity on Thursday, just an hour before game time. He will begin his suspension immediately for his role in the bench-clearing brawl that occurred on June 30. The penalty, initially seven games, was reduced to five after the appeal process.
Contreras, who suffered a contusion to his left foot Wednesday night after fouling a ball off his instep, was not expected to play in Thursday’s afternoon game at Rate Field against the White Sox. Considering the soreness he’s dealing with, it was unlikely he would be in the lineup Friday night when Boston opens a weekend series against the New York Mets at Citi Field. The team announced that he will now sit out the final four games of the first half—Thursday in Chicago and the entire three-game series in New York this weekend. He is eligible to return to the lineup in the second game of a day-night doubleheader on July 17. After the All-Star break, the Red Sox will face the Tampa Bay Rays for two games, with Contreras available for the nightcap.
Contreras has been the Red Sox’s top hitter all season, leading the team in virtually every offensive category. Before his injury in the third inning Wednesday night, he had driven in eight runs over his previous three games. The suspension does not affect his availability for the All-Star Game next Tuesday in Philadelphia. He will be able to participate, as well as fulfill his commitment to participate in the Home Run Derby the night prior.
That appearance would mark the fourth time Contreras has earned All-Star status. His brother, William Contreras, a catcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, is slated to play for the National League All-Stars as well.
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