Willson Contreras Exits Game After Helmet Hit

Willson Contreras, the first baseman for the Boston Red Sox, was taken out of the game on Friday during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers after being hit in the helmet by a fastball clocked at 95.4 mph.

Contreras was nearly struck by a pitch on the first throw of his at-bat but was hit on a subsequent pitch near his left ear. Following a brief examination by a team trainer, he managed to take first base and completed the top of the third inning.

In the bottom of the third inning, Nick Sogard replaced Contreras at first base, while Anthony Seigler moved from second base to take Sogard's previous position. Prior to the incident, Contreras had a batting average of .289, an OPS of .944, 23 home runs, and 67 RBIs in his first season with the Red Sox, during which he was selected as an All-Star for the fourth time in his career.