Central STL News

ST. LOUIS -- In a tense matchup with the San Diego Padres, Willson Contreras expressed his frustration after being hit by pitches three times in two games. Following the Cardinals' 3-1 loss to San Diego, Contreras addressed the incidents.

“I’m pretty much fed up,” said Contreras, who was struck on the left wrist by Randy Vásquez and on the left elbow guard by Robert Suarez. “Like I said earlier today, I’m not trying to get injured with a broken hand or a broken finger. Nobody will feel sorry for me, but that’s enough.”

Contreras is currently tied with Ty France for second in MLB for hit-by-pitches, with 17 each. Randy Arozarena leads with 18.

The recent incidents follow another altercation where Nick Pivetta hit Contreras on the left hand during Friday's game, leading to an exchange of words and benches clearing without further incident. Pivetta accused Contreras of diving over the plate, to which Contreras responded: “That makes me laugh. He should watch more video.”

Saturday's game saw tensions rise again when Manny Machado of the Padres was hit twice, once by Matthew Liberatore and later by Andre Granillo. Afterward, a confrontation occurred between Cardinals coach Jon Jay and Machado, resulting in Jay's ejection.

“There’s nothing to it," Machado said regarding Jay's comments. "But then you’ve got somebody else coming up and yapping their mouth,” adding vaguely: “I know the real him.”

Contreras commented on Jay’s actions: “It was good, and it feels better when the benches clear and the whole team is into it rather than just pushing everybody back."

Liberatore mentioned that high temperatures played a role in his pitch hitting Machado and noted that pitchers often struggle to control pitches against Contreras.

“[Contreras] is a guy you have to pitch in," Liberatore explained. "We’ve had a lot of guys who don’t know how to command that ball."

Jordan Walker added his perspective: “I just see it as they don’t know what to do with [Contreras].”

Reflecting on previous injuries from being hit by pitches last year, including an incident involving Joe Musgrove of the Padres that caused swelling and missed games for Contreras, he took satisfaction from getting under Pivetta's skin during Friday night's game.

“If you’re going to open your mouth, then you should keep going," said Contreras before Saturday’s game.

He emphasized using mind games effectively against opponents like Pivetta: "When that happened, [Pivetta] lost the game right away."