Red Sox place Willson Contreras on IL, turn to hot-hitting Gasper

The Red Sox placed Willson Contreras on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain after tightness flared during Sunday's blowout loss, and he is expected to miss at least part of September. He had been playing through the issue for about a month and was slashing .111/.200/.185 over his last seven games, with reduced running and effectiveness evident. Boston recalled Mickey Gasper from Triple-A to help cover first base, a role he has thrived in at times with a recent .423 average, five homers and 12 RBIs in 11 games at the major league level. Contreras has started 123 of 137 games at first base this season, and the Red Sox could lean on Gasper and Nick Sogard, plus Andruw Monasterio and Isiah Kiner-Falefa when needed, as they navigate roster and health concerns. The situation has coincided with fan frustration over Contreras’ perceived lack of effort on the bases, including booing during recent road trips. The hamstring issue also led to notes about his status ahead of a series against Seattle, with a potential impact on Boston’s lineup as rosters expand.