Red Sox First Baseman Exits Early With Injury

Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras

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The Boston Red Sox can't catch a break. The results on the field haven't been stellar. They fell to 6-11 after a loss to the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday.

On top of that, first baseman Willson Contreras left the game early with low back tightness. Contreras was hit by a pitch on the arm before exiting the game and was seen stretching on the basepaths. He exited the game in the fifth inning and was replaced by Andruw Monasterio.

Contreras has been one of the Red Sox's most productive offensive players this season. Through the first 17 games of the season, he hit 0.298 with three home runs and 11 runs batted in. The three home runs are tied for the team lead with Wilyer Abreu.

After the game, Red Sox manager Alex Cora didn't have a firm update on Contreras' status.

"We'll see how he feels tomorrow morning," Cora said. "It feels like it's nothing serious, but obviously, we have to be careful. He's so important to us."

First base is a position where the Red Sox lack depth. Monasterio is the only other player who has manned the position this season. Triston Casas and Romy Gonzalez are still working their way back from injury, as well. It's unclear if Contreras will miss extended time, but if he does need to spend time on the injured list, Mickey Gasper or Nick Sogard are potential internal replacements.

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