Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras appeared to give up during his at-bat after taking issue with an umpire while playing in a minor-league rehab game Saturday.
During a fourth-inning plate appearance for the Portland Sea Dogs, Contreras attempted to walk toward his team's dugout after calling time.
Home plate umpire Daniel Bytheway appeared to take exception to Contreras' request, prompting the four-time All-Star to instruct Binghamton Rumble Ponies pitcher Gabe Davis to throw the next pitch down the middle.
Contreras made no effort to swing, and struck out on six pitches while shaking his head at Bytheway during the plate appearance.
Willson being Willson?
— Joe Bailey (@joebaileysports) September 12, 2026
Willson Contreras in his second rehab at bat tonight for the @PortlandSeaDogs just gives up the at bat and strikes out after umpire does not allow him to go back to dugout and I am guessing put more pinetar on bat pic.twitter.com/Q0EVYu6Xbc
The 34-year-old went 0-for-3 during the Sea Dogs' 1-0 win, reaching base on an error in the sixth inning.
Contreras is on a rehab assignment while recovering from a hamstring strain. He's hitting .274/.384/.516 with 26 home runs and 79 RBIs in the majors this season.
