The Boston Red Sox lost 6-0 to the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night in Minneapolis. Sonny Gray allowed five runs across four innings. The lineup struggled against Mick Abel, who had 10 strikeouts in his 7 innings. Boston fell to 6-11.
What happened in the fifth inning made the night worse.
Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras exited the game with lower back tightness. The injury occurred while he was fielding a grounder at first base. He was replaced by Andruw Monasterio, and the Red Sox played the rest of the game without their most productive offensive player to start the season.
Cora Provides an Update
Manager Alex Cora addressed the situation after the game. The early indication was cautiously positive. Cora said the training staff believes the injury is ‘nothing serious‘ but that the team wants to be careful given how important Contreras has been to the lineup.
“We’ll see how he feels Wednesday morning,” Cora said. “He’s so important to us, and we’ve got Thursday off, so we’ll see how he feels… And we decide if he goes.”
The Red Sox are being cautious with a player they cannot afford to lose for an extended stretch, but the early signs are good.
GettyWillson Contreras of the Boston Red Sox.
What Contreras Has Meant to the Red Sox
The timing is tough. Contreras has been one of the most consistent players in the lineup since Opening Day. Through 17 games, he is hitting .298 with three home runs and 11 RBIs. His three homers match Wilyer Abreu for the team lead.
His impact has extended well beyond the numbers. Contreras delivered a speech to his teammates before last Saturday’s game in St. Louis that was credited with sparking back-to-back blowout victories.
He has emerged as one of the primary voices in the clubhouse and a defensive presence at first base that has stabilized the position.
Losing him for any significant time would create a real problem. First base depth is thin. Monasterio is the only other player who has seen time at the position this season. Triston Casas and Romy Gonzalez are both still dealing with injuries of their own. Mickey Gasper and Nick Sogard are potential internal options if the Red Sox need to make a move.
GettyFormer St. Louis Cardinals player Willson Contreras of the Boston Red Sox acknowledges the crowd in his first at bat against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning at Busch Stadium on April 10, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.
Final Word for the Red Sox
Contreras’s back tightness adds another layer of concern to a season that has not gone to plan. The early signs suggest he will be fine. The Red Sox need that to be the case.
The off day Thursday gives them a small window. If Contreras can return Friday, the damage stays limited. If not, the Red Sox will be searching for answers at a position that was already running on thin depth.
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