Willson Contreras is making his way back, and the latest signs point to a return that could arrive sooner rather than later.
The Red Sox slugger, sidelined for more than a week with a hamstring injury, took batting practice on the field at Fenway Park on Tuesday and was also seen running the bases. Those are the kinds of checkpoints that usually suggest a player is getting close.
Contreras has been out since Aug. 30, but the early hope that his IL stay might end up close to the minimum 10 days is starting to look realistic. Boston has kept rolling without him, too, going 6-2 in his absence and winning five straight, including a four-game sweep of the Orioles and Monday’s victory over the Angels.
That run has given the Red Sox some breathing room, but a return for Contreras still matters. With the Yankees potentially in their sights, getting his bat back would give Boston a major lift as the stretch run tightens up.
For now, the timing is straightforward. Contreras becomes first eligible to come off the injured list on Thursday, though he won’t be in the lineup during the series against the Angels. Since the Red Sox are off that day, Friday against the Royals is the earliest possible return.
One thing that remains unclear is whether he’ll need a rehab assignment. Players coming back from soft tissue injuries usually get at least a short stint in the minors, but that may not be necessary here. Contreras has a decade of MLB experience, the minor-league season is winding down, and Boston is in the middle of a race that could make a detour unnecessary.
The Red Sox may also be close to getting another key bat back. Ceddanne Rafaela is eligible to return as early as Sunday, which means Boston could be nearing the point where two important pieces rejoin the lineup almost at once.
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