yardbarker
The Boston Red Sox saw one of their key offensive pieces leave Friday's contest in Los Angeles prematurely. Willson Contreras, the club's first baseman, was struck in the helmet by a 95.4 mph fastball during the third inning and did not continue in the game.
The pitch came from Dodgers right-hander Will Klein with a 1-1 count. Moments earlier, Contreras had narrowly avoided a hit by pitch on the first offering of the at-bat. The ball that connected appeared to strike near his left ear area.
After a brief consultation with a team trainer, Contreras trotted to first base and completed the top half of the third inning. However, when Boston took the field for the bottom of the frame, defensive shifts were made. Nick Sogard slid over from second to first, while Anthony Seigler entered the game at second base and took over the No. 5 spot in the batting order that had belonged to Contreras.
Key Analysis
Contreras had been enjoying a productive season in his first year with the Red Sox, entering Friday with a .289 batting average, a .944 OPS, 23 home runs, and 67 RBIs. His performance earned him a fourth career All-Star selection. The team will be hoping the injury is not serious, as his presence in the lineup has been vital to their offensive production.
Originally reported by yardbarker.