Willson Contreras' suspension for his role in a June 30 brawl has been reduced from seven games to five, a source told ESPN. The Boston Red Sox slugger will begin serving his ban Thursday, making him eligible to play after the All-Star break. Contreras was also named an American League All-Star replacement and may participate in the Home Run Derby, provided his foot injury allows.

Contreras appealed the original seven-game suspension following an incident where he charged the mound after Nationals starter Cade Cavalli struck him out and used the phrase "sit down, boy." The controversy surrounding the remark's potential racial undertones remains. Contreras attempted to throw his helmet towards Cavalli during the ensuing benches-clearing confrontation.

Cavalli's seven-game suspension was also reduced to five games. Washington pitcher Miles Mikolas received a five-game ban, and Boston outfielder Nate Eaton was suspended for three games. Contreras is batting .285 with 20 home runs and 61 RBIs this season, nearing his career best of 24 homers set in 2019.