Red Sox Reveal Shuffled Lineup After Willson Contreras Injury Scare
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The Boston Red Sox will begin a potentially season-defining weekend without their leading home run hitter in the starting lineup. Willson Contreras is out Friday as Boston opens a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Contreras was struck on the right hand during Thursday’s dramatic 4-3 comeback win over the Texas Rangers.
X-rays came back negative, but Contreras experienced swelling and briefly lost feeling in the hand. Interim manager Chad Tracy said the veteran would be evaluated daily. With Contreras sidelined and left-hander Ian Seymour starting for Tampa Bay, Tracy constructed an unconventional batting order featuring several of Boston’s right-handed options.
Roman Anthony will lead off and play left field, but Jarren Duran, Masataka Yoshida and Adley Rutschman are among the notable players not starting. Jahmai Jones will serve as the designated hitter and bat third, one spot ahead of Wilyer Abreu. Trevor Story remains in the fifth spot after supplying the biggest swing of Boston’s season Thursday. His three-run home run in the eighth inning erased a 3-1 deficit and helped the Red Sox avoid a sweep in Texas.
The Red Sox announced their lineup on Friday afternoon.
Red Sox Lineup Against Rays
Roman Anthony, LF
Nick Sogard, 1B
Jahmai Jones, DH
Wilyer Abreu, RF
Trevor Story, SS
Caleb Durbin, 3B
Isiah Kiner-Falefa, 2B
Nate Eaton, CF
Connor Wong, C
Ranger Suárez will start for Boston.
The veteran left-hander enters the opener with a 7-4 record, 3.33 ERA and 130 strikeouts across 137 2/3 innings. Suárez also is coming off one of his strongest performances of the season, holding the Kansas City Royals to one run over seven innings last Saturday.
First of 3 in Tampa Bay. pic.twitter.com/JMkZu5uz1G
— Red Sox (@RedSox) September 18, 2026
Seymour presents a difficult matchup despite his 4.27 ERA. The Tampa Bay left-hander has recorded 150 strikeouts in 122 1/3 innings while posting a 9-6 record and 1.14 WHIP. His ability to miss bats helps explain Boston’s decision to load the lineup with right-handed hitters.
MORE: Red Sox Magic Number for 2026 Playoffs: Tracking Boston's Path to Postseason
The Red Sox enter Friday at 83-70 after salvaging the finale in Texas. Their postseason magic number sits at three, meaning every victory could move them closer to securing a playoff berth.
Tampa Bay has already clinched a postseason spot and brings a six-game winning streak into the series. The Rays own the American League’s best record at 93-59.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET from Tropicana Field.