Contreras clears concussion protocol, returns for LA finale

LOS ANGELES — Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras officially cleared concussion protocol and was back in Boston's starting lineup for Sunday’s series finale against the Dodgers.

Contreras was forced to exit Friday night’s game in the third inning after being struck in the helmet by a 95.4 mph fastball from Dodgers right-hander Will Klein, and was in concussion protocol afterward. After sitting out Saturday’s 3-2 victory as a precaution while undergoing evaluation and clearing all necessary physical activity, Boston's All-Star slugger received the green light to return to the field.

Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy confirmed pregame that Contreras passed all remaining checks and is ready for full action.

"Yeah, he's good," Tracy said. "He feels good, he's in there, he's ready to go."

Rather than easing Contreras back into the lineup as the designated hitter after missing a game and a half, Boston had him right back at first base for Sunday night's game. Tracy noted that keeping Contreras in the field fits the veteran’s preferred routine.

"No, usually if I mention that, Willson likes to play the field," Tracy said on whether he considered using him as the DH. "I don't think he's the biggest fan of DH'ing. I always check in with him on that [and] usually it's like, 'No, no, first base.'

"There are guys like that who like to stay active and not think too much," Tracy added. "So I just think with missing the large chunk of the remainder of the first game and having the day yesterday, I just think he's ready to go."

Contreras, who was named an American League All-Star in his first season with Boston, entered Sunday's game batting .288 with a .943 OPS, 23 home runs and 67 RBIs as the Red Sox looked to complete a three-game sweep of the Dodgers.