Willson Contreras exits after 95-mph pitch hits helmet

Boston Red Sox All-Star first baseman Willson Contreras was forced from a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday, July 31, 2026, after being struck in the helmet by a fastball. The incident occurred at Dodger Stadium during the top of the third inning.

Dodgers reliever Will Klein threw a 95-mile-per-hour fastball that hit Contreras near his left ear. The pitch came just moments after Klein had narrowly missed Contreras with another high fastball on the first pitch of the at-bat. The impact was audible on the broadcast, and Contreras went down immediately, prompting a visit from the Red Sox medical staff.

Remarkably, after being checked, Contreras remained in the game to take first base and finished the top half of the inning. However, he was removed for precautionary reasons before the bottom of the third. Interim manager Chad Tracy described the move as precautionary, noting that initial testing results were fine but that the team must exercise caution with potential head injuries and concussion protocols.

The Red Sox executed a defensive shuffle following his departure. Nick Sogard moved from second base to first, while Anthony Seigler entered the game to play second...