Just when it looked like the Boston Red Sox were getting healthy ahead of their likely matchup against the New York Yankees in the AL wild-card series, an unfortunate injury update emerged after Thursday's loss.

Willson Contreras may be forced to miss the wild-card series

According to Red Sox beat writer Chris Cotillo, there is significant concern surrounding the availability of first baseman Willson Contreras for the postseason.

Contreras spoke after Thursday's loss and revealed he is not able to swing a bat without pain in his hand. Contreras has been dealing with a hand injury since Sept. 17 when he was hit by a pitch.

Cotillo also reported that Contreras got choked up when thinking about the possibility of missing the wild-card series.

Can the Red Sox overcome the absence of Willson Contreras?

During the absence of Contreras from the lineup, it has been Nick Sogard playing first base. While he's having a solid season (batting .258 with five home runs), it isn't nearly the production that Contreras (batting .276 with 27 home runs) brings to the table.

Boston's offense has recently been in the midst of a slump, managing to score more than four runs in a game just once since Sept. 8.

Contreras is as tough as they come in the major leagues, and it is known that he will do everything in his power to get himself ready to play, even if not at 100%.

The possible loss of his bat from the lineup, though, will be tough to overcome, and it could possibly lead to an abrupt end to the Red Sox season after an improbable second half to even get into the playoff picture.