The Boston Pink Sox clinched a visit to the Bronx on Friday, sweeping a doubleheader in opposition to the Chicago Cubs to lock within the fifth seed and a Wild Card Sequence matchup with the New York Yankees starting Tuesday.
The celebration got here with a price. Mickey Gasper suffered a major biceps harm in Recreation 1 of the doubleheader and is probably going executed for the 12 months. And one other query that has loomed over this roster nonetheless doesn’t have a solution.
Willson Contreras didn’t swing a bat on Friday.
Tracy’s Feedback Postgame
Supervisor Chad Tracy was requested once more if there was something new on Contreras. His reply was not what the Pink Sox wished to listen to.
“Nothing new, nothing new,” Tracy mentioned. “We’ll see how he goes tomorrow and Sunday and we’ll go from there.”
Contreras spent Friday centered on relaxation and therapy for the bone bruise on his proper hand, the identical harm that has stored him out of the lineup since September 17. He was seen within the clubhouse carrying a brace on the hand, per Tim Healey of the Boston Globe.
The Pink Sox are holding out hope that Contreras can play within the regular-season finale on Sunday, which has been relocated to Tropicana Discipline in Tampa as a result of approaching nor’easter. That recreation could be his final probability to check the hand earlier than the postseason begins.
However the window is narrowing. Contreras has not taken batting observe on consecutive days this week. His solely session got here Tuesday and lasted 20 minutes. He described it as going solely “OK.” The hand has not cooperated since.
Gasper’s Harm Makes This Worse
The Contreras state of affairs was already the Pink Sox’ largest concern heading into October. Gasper’s harm turned it into one thing extra pressing.
Gasper had been filling in at first base and designated hitter whereas Contreras recovered. He slashed .251/.357/.466 with 10 dwelling runs in 67 video games this season, per the Boston Globe’s Tim Healey. His bat got here alive within the second half, and he had develop into a fixture within the high half of the lineup in opposition to right-handed pitching.
Now he’s possible gone for the 12 months.
“It’s most likely going to take him out,” Tracy mentioned.
If each Contreras and Gasper are unavailable for the Wild Card Sequence, Boston’s depth at first base and DH thins significantly. Nick Sogard began at first base in Recreation 2 of Friday’s doubleheader. Andruw Monasterio and Isiah Kiner-Falefa are choices as nicely. None of them replaces the manufacturing Boston could be shedding.
Ultimate Phrase for the Pink Sox
Nothing new. That’s what Chad Tracy mentioned about one of many gamers the Pink Sox want most.
Days stay earlier than Recreation 1. Contreras is resting, carrying a brace, and hoping his hand cooperates earlier than time runs out. The Gasper harm eliminated one of many security nets behind him.
The Pink Sox have the pitching to compete on this sequence. Whether or not they have the offense relies upon virtually solely on what occurs between now and Tuesday.
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