Boston Red Sox

Willson Contreras

1B

Contreras took batting practice on the field before Tuesday's game against the Angels as the latest step in his recovery from a left hamstring strain. He'd been a candidate to return from the injured list for Friday's series opener against the Royals, but the Sox will instead have him play in a few tune-up games before adding him back to the lineup.

Tanner Houck

SP

Houck was understandably rusty in his first game action since July 9, 2025, as just eight of his 20 offerings landed in the zone. The right-hander is next scheduled to pitch Friday and elevate his pitch count to the 40-45 range.

Garrett Crochet

SP

This was Crochet's second side session and first that wasn't exclusively fastballs. Boston manager Chad Tracy was pleased with the session, noting Crochet looked and felt good. The next step has not yet been determined, but the manager mentioned another side session this weekend as a possibility.

Justin Slaten

RP

Slaten last pitched August 12 due to elbow inflammation, and he's experienced recurring symptoms since restarting a throwing program recently. The 28-year-old is likely looking at multiple more weeks before a return. Slaten owns a 4.60 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 39:8 K:BB across 31.1 innings of relief this season.

Eli White

CF

White had produced at least one base hit in seven of his last eight games before being sidelined Friday. The 32-year-old had begun to fill in at center field for Ceddanne Rafaela (quadriceps), becoming an everyday player. In 60 plate appearances since joining Boston, White is slashing .276/.300/.379 with one homer and 12 RBI. The Red Sox recalled Anthony Seigler from Triple-A Worcester to replace White on the active roster.