Willson Contreras Returns With New Role in Red Sox's Lineup

The Red Sox are trying out the veteran slugger in the No. 2 spot to boost their struggling top of the order.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:04pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action of a baseball game, with overlapping shapes and planes of color representing the movement and energy of the sport.Contreras' return to the Red Sox lineup in a new role aims to provide a jolt of energy and production at the top of the order.St. Louis Today

The Boston Red Sox are getting a key offensive piece back in their lineup as first baseman Willson Contreras returns from a brief injury absence. The Red Sox are slotting the 11-year veteran and three-time All-Star into the No. 2 spot in the order, a new role for him this season as they look to jumpstart their lineup at the top.

Why it matters

The Red Sox have struggled to find consistent production from the No. 2 spot in their lineup so far this season, so inserting the powerful Contreras there could provide a boost to their offense and take some pressure off leadoff hitter Roman Anthony.

The details

Contreras missed Wednesday's game against the Minnesota Twins due to lower back soreness but is back in the lineup for Friday's series opener against the Detroit Tigers. He has primarily hit cleanup or third in the order this season, but the Red Sox are now trying him out in the No. 2 spot behind Anthony. Contreras is slashing .298/.444/.491 with 3 home runs and 11 RBIs on the year.

  • Contreras missed Wednesday's game against the Twins due to lower back soreness.
  • Contreras is back in the lineup for Friday's series opener against the Tigers.

The players

Willson Contreras

An 11-year veteran and three-time MLB All-Star first baseman for the Boston Red Sox.

Roman Anthony

The Red Sox's leadoff hitter and starting center fielder.

Trevor Story

The Red Sox's starting shortstop, who previously hit second in the order but struggled there early in the season.

Caleb Durbin

A Red Sox player who has seen some time hitting second in the order this season.

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What they’re saying

“Back in the Fenway Greens.”

— Red Sox, Twitter account

What’s next

The Red Sox will continue to evaluate how Willson Contreras performs in the No. 2 spot in the lineup over the course of the four-game series against the Tigers. If he provides a spark, he could remain there going forward as the team looks to get more production at the top of the order.

The takeaway

The Red Sox are getting creative in an effort to jumpstart their lineup, moving the veteran slugger Willson Contreras up to the No. 2 spot behind leadoff hitter Roman Anthony. This move could pay dividends if it allows Contreras to see better pitches and takes some pressure off Anthony at the top of the order.