Masataka Yoshida is working his way back to the Boston Red Sox after undergoing surgery on his right labrum.
The 31-year-old outfielder from Japan was able to take part in spring training as a hitter, going 10-for-35 (.286) with a home run and seven RBIs across 11 Grapefruit League games, indicating that his bat is game-ready. However, his shoulder still isn’t fully recovered, particularly when it comes to throwing.
According to Ian Browne of MLB.com, manager Alex Cora shared that Yoshida’s throwing remains inconsistent — with some good days and some bad — and as a result, he won’t begin a minor league rehab stint until he’s throwing at full strength.
For now, Yoshida will continue his recovery by participating in extended spring training games in Fort Myers, Florida, starting the week of April 14.
Since Yoshida last played, Boston’s roster has shifted. The addition of free agent Alex Bregman at third base has moved Rafael Devers into the designated hitter role. That means Yoshida will need to demonstrate he’s ready to contribute defensively in the outfield in order to reclaim a spot on the roster.
Yoshida joined the Red Sox in December 2022 on a five-year, $90 million deal after a successful seven-year run with Japan’s Orix Buffaloes. Boston also paid over $15 million in posting fees to sign him. During his time in Nippon Professional Baseball, he earned four All-Star nods, won two batting titles, and posted a .327 average with 133 home runs and a .960 OPS.
In his two seasons with the Red Sox, Yoshida has put up a .285 batting average, 54 doubles, three triples, 25 home runs, 128 RBIs, and a .775 OPS.
While he remains sidelined, the Red Sox are rolling with Wilyer Abreu, Jarren Duran, and Rob Refsnyder in the outfield.
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