Willson Contreras (illness) is back in the lineup for Saturday’s showdown against the Athletics.
Contreras is back at first base and hitting cleanup against rookie southpaw Gage Jump following a two-game absence due to illness. The 34-year-old veteran has put together a career-best season at the plate, hitting .288/.395/.540 with 23 home runs and 70 RBI across 430 plate appearances. He’s served as one of Boston’s primary catalysts during their remarkable midseason turnaround. They’ve won nine consecutive games and 27 of their last 30 overall to pull within five games of the AL East-leading Rays.