Alex Cora expects Red Sox slugger to avoid IL; Patrick Sandoval ‘healthy’ after latest rehab start
Red Sox manager Alex Cora said he doesn’t expect first baseman Willson Contreras’ low back tightness to result in an IL stint.
MINNEAPOLIS — Manager Alex Cora said he doesn’t expect first baseman Willson Contreras’ low back tightness to result in an IL stint. The 33-year-old slugger is not in the Red Sox lineup Wednesday after he left Tuesday’s game during the fifth inning. “He’s doing OK,” Cora said before Wednesday’s game.
“I think he’ll benefit from today and tomorrow and be ready for Friday. ” The Red Sox have an off day Thursday before beginning a seven-game homestand at Fenway Park on Friday. “Hopefully with the day off tomorrow it helps to be back and playing Friday,” Contreras said.
Contreras’ back tightened up when he fielded a ground ball hit by Twins’ Kody Clemens in the third inning. “Felt something in my back and then when I sat down for a little bit, it started getting worse,” Contreras said. “I decided to come out of the game just to be cautious with it; not to make it worse.
Of course I wanted to play but it doesn’t make sense for me to make it worse right now. I’d rather have two off days like today and tomorrow and be back and playing Friday. ” He is batting .