For over a week, Willson Contreras has been functionally suspended for his part in a June 30 benches-clearing incident between the Washington Nationals and the Boston Red Sox. On July 1, MLB announced that he would be suspended for seven games. The same day, Contreras filed his appeal.
Finally, on July 9, MLB has ruled on his case. Contreras has been suspended for five games. Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli, who issued the racist comment that incited Contreras' wrath, also had his seven-game suspension reduced to five games.
Ordinarily, Contreras' suspension would be a gut punch for Boston. He's been one of the Sox's best hitters all year with a .285/.379/.542 slash line, 20 home runs and 61 RBI over 88 games. He's hit even better since the news of his suspension, to the tune of a .320/.414/.640 slash line in his last seven games.
But his suspension actually comes at an ideal time. The first baseman was hit by a ball on the top of the foot during Boston's July 8 game against the Chicago White Sox and he's been diagnosed with a contusion. His five-game suspension gives him time to rest and heal his foot to come back good as new in the second half.
MLB finally reduces Willson Contreras' suspension to five games — right at the right moment for the Red Sox
Unfortunately, the injury could mean that Contreras will miss his chance to participate in the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game, though he's eligible per MLB rules (subscription required). The Red Sox need Contreras more than the American League All-Star squad does, however, and he should prioritize rest over the break.
Contreras wasn't in the Red Sox's July 9 series finale lineup against the White Sox, though it isn't entirely clear why: he could be injured or the Red Sox could've heard his suspension ruling early. Contreras has not been placed on the injured list, but Tim Healey of The Boston Globe noted that he was already going to miss the game due to his injury. Anthony Seigler also sustained a contusion in the same inning Contreras did but led off for Boston in the getaway game — maybe Contreras is already feeling well enough to compete in the All-Star Game.
Contreras is eligible to return to action on July 17 for the second game of Boston's doubleheader with the Tampa Bay Rays, provided he's healthy. There would be no good time for Contreras' suspension, given how important he's been to this Red Sox team, but it gives him a chance to rest his ailing foot, the best outcome the Sox could ask for.
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