
Spoelstra: No need to penalize Ball any further
Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
Willson Contreras of the Boston Red Sox left Tuesday's game against the Minnesota Twins due to back tightness. Alex Cora later provided a positive update on Contreras's condition.
Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras
Alex Cora Provides Relieving Update On Willson Contreras Injury originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Boston Red Sox are 6-11 to start the season, and an injury to Willson Contreras could make things even worse for them.
In the third inning of Tuesday's loss to the Minnesota Twins, Contreras' back tightened up and he ended up being removed from the game in the fifth inning. The three-time All-Star has been one of the Red Sox's best hitters, so an injury would be a huge problem. After the game, Alex Cora provided a relieving update on his first baseman.
“We’ll see how he feels (Wednesday) morning,” Cora said, per MassLive's Christopher Smith. “(Head athletic trainer) Brandon (Henry) feels like it’s nothing serious, but obviously we have to be careful. He’s so important to us and we got Thursday off, so we’ll see how he feels tomorrow. And we decide if he goes.”
It sounds like the Red Sox are going to play it safe with their star first baseman. Contreras is 33 years old, so his age is also a factor when considering injuries. Cora also revealed what went into making the decision to pull him from the game.
“It was a ground ball to him,” Cora said. “He kind of reached down and I saw it. I was like, ‘Eh, that didn’t look great.’ And then he felt it throughout the game. So we decided to take him out.”
Contreras is slashing .298/.444/.491 through play on Tuesday. He is tied for the American League lead in bWAR and has three home runs on the season. The Red Sox need him on the field, but will not risk losing him for longer by rushing him back. The off day on Thursday could give him an extra day to get better if the Red Sox choose to sit him out on Wednesday.
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Willson Contreras experienced back tightness, which led to his removal from the game.
Contreras has been one of the best hitters for the Red Sox, contributing significantly to the team's performance.
Alex Cora provided a relieving update, indicating that Contreras's condition is not as serious as initially feared.

Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
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