The Red Sox begin the postseason on Tuesday and have scored just 5 runs over the last 5 games. In other words, now would be a great time for the team’s best offensive contributor to return to a lineup that desperately needs a spark. But unless a miracle happens over the weekend, things aren’t looking good. Willson Contreras took batting practice on Tuesday, only for his hand injury to worsen in the subsequent days. He’s still struggling to grip a bat and admitted to tearing up out of frustration. “I’m doing everything that I can to come back and play with the boys and be there with the boys,” he said. “But sometimes you have to listen to your body.” (Tim Healey, Boston Globe)
At least Ceddanne Rafaela has returned. He should be able to give a little lift for the lineup, though he does present a conundrum for Chad Tracy, as the Sox now have too many outfielders and DHs to fit into the lineup at once. With Roman Anthony, Rafalea, and Wilyer Abreu essentially locked into starting spots, Tracy has to decide whether to prioritize Duran’s glove and legs over the platoon DH production of Mickey Gasper and Jahmai Jones. (Sean McAdam, MassLive)
And all of this is occuring against the backdrop of this weekend’s storm. And if you think we’re done dealing with that now that MLB has moved Sunday’s game to today, we’re not. There is still a possibility that one or more of this weekend’s games is moved to Tropicana Field in St. Pete. (Conor Ryan, Boston.com)
With the depressing news about Contreras, the team could probably use a pep talk. If so, Pedro Martinez — as someone who still believed in this team in the darkness of May — is available. “I just feel good about approaching the Yankees this time around. And [the Red Sox] are young, yes. We don’t have the highest expectations about them, but man, for some reason, I just feel so positive,” said the right arm of God. “I just feel so excited that this young group of guys that we have out there are able to do something special. I don’t see anything wrong with these kids, and I don’t see why they shouldn’t give everybody knuckles. Not just the Yankees, but everybody.” (Ian Browne, MLB.com)
If the Sox are going to give everybody knuckles, then Ranger Suarez is probably going to be a part of it. The offseason signing has an outstanding postseason resume, and his final 2026 stats are more or less in line with the numbers he’d been putting up in Philadelphia, even if he sounds slightly disappointed in his performance. “Obviously I think I could have done better,” he said of his season. “But I was happy I was able to finish the season strong.” (Peter Abraham, Boston Globe)
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