Curtis Mead’s Red Sox Debut Ends Early After Wrist Contusion

In his first game for the Boston Red Sox, infielder Curtis Mead was struck on the left wrist by a pitch from Oakland Athletics starter Jack Perkins in the fourth inning of a 4-2 victory. After a brief attempt to continue, the Red Sox trainer evaluated him and the team announced that he had sustained a left wrist contusion. Mead left the contest before the eighth inning.

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Boston acquired Mead on Saturday in a trade that sent left-hander Connelly Early to the Washington Nationals. Prior to the move, Mead was hitting .253 with 17 home runs and 48 RBIs for the Nationals this season, establishing himself as a power-hitting infielder.

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Red Sox manager Chad Tracy reported that X-rays showed no fractures, describing the situation as “dodged a bullet, maybe.” The club said Mead would undergo additional testing on Tuesday. After the game, Mead expressed disappointment, noting his desire to help the team and his frustration at the early exit.

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• “I felt OK. Squeezing my hand feels OK. Just a little bit of pain rotating,” — Curtis Mead

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• “I went in after the inning was over and I grabbed a bat, because hitting was going to be my main concern,” — Curtis Mead

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• Season batting average: .253

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• Home runs: 17

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• Runs batted in: 48

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• Injury: left wrist contusion (no fracture on X-ray)

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Mead’s early departure underscores the uncertainty that can accompany a mid-season acquisition, even as the Red Sox look to integrate his offensive contributions into their lineup.

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