The Boston Red Sox reinstated first baseman Willson Contreras from the 10-day injured list prior to their home game against the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.
Contreras was in the starting lineup, playing first base and batting fourth, as the Red Sox set out to win the three-game series and keep pace in the American League wild-card race.
Boston placed Contreras on the IL on Aug. 31 because of a hamstring strain that affected him for much of the month. The move was a big blow to the Red Sox’s offense; Contreras leads the club in home runs with 26 and RBIs with 79 while also batting .274.
He played in two minor league rehab games for Double-A Portland, going 2-for-7 with two RBIs, before rejoining the Red Sox.
Contreras, 34, is in his first season with the Red Sox. He was acquired in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals on Dec. 22 in exchange for pitchers Hunter Dobbins, Yhoiker Fajardo and Blake Aita.
To make room for Contreras on the active roster, Boston placed infielder Anthony Seigler on the 10-day injured list with right wrist inflammation.
