With more than three weeks until the regular season begins, Masataka Yoshida took a key step toward being ready for the Red Sox’s opener in Texas on March 27.
Making his Spring Training debut on March 2 against the New York Mets, Yoshida delivered an impressive performance. In Boston’s 6-4 victory, he went 2-for-3 with a double and three RBI.
“I’m trying to be ready by Opening Day, and I’m just fired up to be ready by Opening Day,” Yoshida told MLB.com after the game at JetBlue Park.
Masataka Yoshida Remains on Throwing Program as Part of Rehab
There were no guarantees Yoshida would be ready when Spring Training began.
The Red Sox outfielder spent the offseason rehabbing from an October surgery to repair a labral tear in his right shoulder—”a major surgery,” as manager Alex Cora described it. According to MassLive’s Christopher Smith, Yoshida wasn’t cleared for live batting practice until February 26.
But he wasted no time making an impact in his debut. With the bases loaded in the first inning, he jumped on the first pitch from right-hander Paul Blackburn, lining a ground-rule double into the right-field corner.
“Regardless of that result, I was able to hit the first pitch of my first at-bat,” Yoshida said. “So, it just felt great.”
Boston radio analyst Tyler Milliken (98.5 The Sports Hub) highlighted the at-bat as a reminder of Yoshida’s importance to the Red Sox lineup:
“Welcome back, Masataka Yoshida! Smokes a ground-rule double with the bases loaded in his first AB of the spring. Find a way to get him in this lineup.”
Yoshida later added an RBI single into shallow center against left-hander Brandon Waddell, prompting Milliken to declare, “Masataka Yoshida’s shoulder is fixed. Beware.”
For now, Yoshida is limited to designated hitter duties as he works through the early stages of a throwing program. The Red Sox are being cautious about his return to the outfield.
“He’s still at 45 feet,” Cora told MLB.com. “That’s not too much, but we’ll see. We’ll see how it goes.”
Questions Linger Over Playing Time for Masataka Yoshida in Crowded Red Sox Outfield
The timing of Yoshida’s return to the outfield is only part of the equation—where he would fit in is another challenge.
The Red Sox have a deep and competitive outfield, with Jarren Duran projected to start in left, Ceddanne Rafaela in center, and Wilyer Abreu in right. Additionally, Rob Refsnyder, Romy Gonzalez, and top prospect Roman Anthony are also vying for playing time.
Adding to the uncertainty, the recent signing of Alex Bregman could impact Yoshida’s role. If Bregman takes over at third base, Rafael Devers might shift to designated hitter, further complicating Yoshida’s path to consistent at-bats. However, manager Alex Cora is eager to keep Yoshida’s bat in the lineup.
Now entering the third season of his five-year, $90 million contract signed before 2023, Yoshida had a strong rookie season, playing 140 games and hitting .289/.338/.445 with 15 home runs and 72 RBIs. Last year, injuries limited him to 108 games, where he posted a .280/.349/.415 slash line with 10 home runs and 56 RBIs.
Reflecting on Yoshida’s potential, Cora emphasized his ability to hit at a high level, referencing his success in Japan. “I don’t think it was a bat speed issue or hitting too many ground balls,” Cora said. “Like Raffy last year, he played through injuries and did everything he could to be on the field.
“Now, we’re getting a fully healthy Masa, and I’m excited about that. I believe he’ll get back to controlling the strike zone and driving the baseball. It’s going to be fun to watch.”
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