A reset for the hamstring
The injury had been affecting Contreras well before he went on the IL on August 31. In Chris Cotillo’s reporting for MassLive, interim manager Chad Tracy explained that brief breaks from the lineup had not solved the recurring discomfort. The club chose a longer rest rather than continue managing around a player who could not consistently play at full speed.
That context matters for his return. This was not simply a wait for the minimum number of days to pass. Boston wanted Contreras to regain confidence in his leg and get back to playing without having to think about it on every movement.
His August numbers also showed why a reset was needed. MassLive reported a .217 average and .715 OPS in 23 games that month, including a 3-for-23 stretch on the trip through Miami and New York. Those struggles had come while he was trying to manage the hamstring.
Sunday’s activation brings an established middle-of-the-order hitter back into the lineup. The next test is whether he can sustain that workload, rather than merely get through one game.
Seigler leaves the active roster
The corresponding move sent Anthony Seigler to the 10-day injured list with right wrist inflammation. MLB.com reported that he experienced pain after a swing Saturday and would remain in Boston for additional examinations while the team travels to Texas.
The Red Sox therefore made a tradeoff in available personnel: Contreras returned, but Seigler became unavailable. For now, Boston can put its cleanup hitter back at first base as the season enters its last two weeks, while awaiting more information on the infielder’s wrist.
