On Saturday, at Fenway Park, Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras encountered an unusual reception from fans. As he returned to the lineup after missing two games due to illness, Contreras faced booing when he didn’t hustle on a ground ball to third base. The disapproval was audible from the batter’s box all the way to the dugout tunnel.

Contreras had previously been removed from a game due to the same illness and remained affected over the weekend. Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy addressed the situation, stating, “I know how that looks but I’m also aware more than others that he’s a little beat up and told us before the game, ‘I don’t have everything today.’ So I’m fine.” Tracy expressed understanding, especially given Contreras’s usual energetic gameplay.

“Especially with a guy that plays the game as hard as he does and how hard he turns around first base all the time, I’m fine with it,” Tracy added, as seen on NESN.

In the game, Contreras recorded one single and struck out twice. He chose not to speak with the media afterward. The Red Sox’s recent form, marked by a remarkable 27-5 streak since July 1, has heightened expectations. It’s likely the team will move forward without further addressing the incident.