Willson Contreras' Hand Injury Puts Wild-Card Series Status in Doubt

Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras is in danger of missing the team's wild-card series against the New York Yankees due to a hand injury.

Contreras, who was hit on the hand by a pitch on Sept. 17, told reporters Thursday that he is still experiencing pain and has been unable to swing a bat for the past two days. "I'm working hard with the trainers; the hand is slowly getting better," Contreras said, per MLB.com. "But I haven't been able to swing the last two days. I'll be honest with the team. I know Tuesday is a really important game. It's a really important series, and I'll be completely honest with the team."

Tests have not revealed a fracture, with the injury diagnosed as inflammation and a bone bruise. Contreras is having a strong offensive season, batting .276 with a .387 on-base percentage and a .518 slugging percentage, along with 27 home runs and 81 RBIs.

"It's frustrating, if I'm being honest," Contreras stated. "I was hoping to swing today, and I couldn't swing. I came into my locker just tearing up because that's what we play for. We play to play in October, and it's really frustrating when we're doing the best you can do and you're expecting to heal faster and that doesn't happen."

Contreras plans to continue his treatment regimen but said he will not play if he does not feel confident in his ability to perform. "Hopefully, I can swing the bat tomorrow and Saturday and go from there," he said. "But like I said, I'm an honest guy, and if I don't feel confident in my hand to be able to play either Sunday or Tuesday, I'll be completely honest with the team. I don't want to hurt the team in any way."

The Yankees are also facing potential uncertainty regarding the availability of star player Aaron Judge for the wild-card matchup.