Red Sox Make Willson Contreras Decision For Athletics Opener

Red Sox Make Willson Contreras Decision For Athletics Opener originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Boston Red Sox will remain without Willson Contreras as they attempt to extend the longest active winning streak in Major League Baseball. Contreras was not included in the starting lineup for Friday night’s series opener against the Athletics at Fenway Park. Nick Sogard will replace him at first base and hit leadoff.

This marks the second consecutive game Contreras will miss and the third straight contest affected by his illness. Contreras left Wednesday’s 4-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox after recording an RBI single and drawing a walk in two plate appearances. He was then held out of Thursday’s series finale.

Interim manager Chad Tracy said before Thursday’s game that Contreras was showing some improvement.

“Still feeling sick,” Tracy said. “Under the weather, improving a bit. Just resting.”

The Red Sox have not announced a new injury or suggested that Contreras is facing an extended absence.

Red Sox Continue Without Willson Contreras

Contreras’ absence removes one of Boston’s most productive hitters from the middle of the order. The 34-year-old entered Friday batting .288 with 23 home runs and 70 RBIs during an outstanding first season with the Red Sox. He earned his fourth career All-Star selection in July.

Rolling into Fenway Friday! pic.twitter.com/D0YTmQPDDq

— Red Sox (@RedSox) August 7, 2026

Contreras also was named Boston’s 2026 Heart and Hustle Award winner Friday morning. The honor recognizes players who demonstrate passion, desire and a strong work ethic on and off the field. His continued absence later in the day served as a reminder that even one of Boston’s toughest players sometimes needs additional time to recover.

Sogard will make another start at first base after filling the position Thursday. Ceddanne Rafaela will hit second, followed by Wilyer Abreu, Caleb Durbin and Masataka Yoshida.

Andruw Monasterio, Jarren Duran, Anthony Seigler and Jake Rogers complete Boston’s starting lineup.

MORE: Willson Contreras Earns Fitting Honor Amid Red Sox Revival

Boston Looks To Extend Incredible Winning Streak

The Red Sox have continued winning despite Contreras’ absence. Boston completed a three-game sweep of the White Sox with a dramatic 12-11 victory in 13 innings Thursday. The Red Sox overcame five separate deficits before Durbin delivered a walk-off RBI single.

The victory extended Boston’s winning streak to eight games and improved the club to 63-51. The Red Sox have won 31 of their past 36 games after sitting 14 games below .500 earlier this season.

Boston will now face an Athletics team headed in the opposite direction. The Athletics enter Fenway Park on an eight-game losing streak.

Payton Tolle is scheduled to start for the Red Sox opposite Athletics right-hander Jack Perkins. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET on NESN.

Contreras will not be in the starting lineup, but the Red Sox have not ruled out the possibility of using him off the bench if he feels well enough to play.

For now, Boston will give one of its most important hitters another opportunity to recover while attempting to keep its remarkable surge alive.

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