Willson Contreras protests during Portland Sea Dogs rehab at-bat

Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras staged a protest during a Saturday night Double-A rehab assignment with the Portland Sea Dogs. While facing Binghamton Rumble Ponies pitcher Gabe Davis in the fourth inning, Contreras attempted to step out of the box to add pine tar to his bat. Home plate umpire Daniel Bytheway denied the request, leading Contreras to stop swinging for the remainder of the at-bat. He allowed six pitches to pass down the middle before striking out looking and throwing his bat toward home plate while exiting. The Portland Sea Dogs went on to win the game 1-0. Contreras, who is recovering from a left hamstring strain, is expected to return to the major league roster as early as Sunday.

• 3:54 PMYahoo Sports — Red Sox news: Willson Contreras totally melts down with bizarre protest at-bat during rehab assignment