The Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox got into a spat — led by Cade Cavalli and Willson Contreras — over a week ago. Cavalli and Nate Eaton, who brawled with Miles Mikolas on the side of the larger scrum, have each had their suspension appeals ruled on while Contreras is still waiting.
MLB initially suspended the first baseman for seven games, which he's hoping to have shortened. The league is taking its time assessing Contreras' punishment, as he seriously lashed out after a racially insensitive jab from Cavalli. Contreras had to be held back from punching Cavalli by four or five people and threw his helmet into the group of squabbling players.
MLB's delayed ruling might actually be helping the Red Sox, however. Boston has won nine of its last 11 games, many of which have featured heroic moments from Contreras. The Red Sox's stash of infield depth is also quite sparse at the moment and Contreras' presence has given them some much-needed leeway.
Boston has many injuries in its infield, including Trevor Story, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Marcelo Mayer and Nick Sogard. Eaton's absence due to his suspension, which began on July 7, leaves the Sox with Caleb Durbin, Andruw Monasterio, Romy Gonzalez, Anthony Seigler, Tsung-Che Cheng and Contreras for their infield spots. Had Contreras' suspension already started, the Red Sox would have to look to Triple-A for infield depth and Mickey Gasper is the best option there.
MLB's delay of Willson Contreras' suspension ruling actually helps Red Sox
Eaton will serve the second game of his suspension on July 8, which is reportedly the first day of Sogard's rehab assignment. Sogard is expected to need only a game or two before his return to big league action, so he and Eaton could, in theory, be activated on the same day. Either would be a good replacement for Contreras at first base after his appeal is processed.
Despite an incoming suspension hanging over his head, Contreras has played some of his best baseball in the last few days. He's posted a career year with the Sox so far, to the tune of a .287/.381/.545 slash line over 87 games, and he's slashing .360/.448/.800 with three home runs and 11 RBI in the last week. He's been a critical part of Boston's winning surge as the All-Star break looms.
The Red Sox are soon expecting reinforcements that will make Contreras' suspension easier, though he'll be seriously missed for however many games the league ends up giving him. Not many players would perform better knowing that they have a league-mandated break coming up but Contreras thrives under the pressure and has continued to deliver on every level.
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