After weeks of uncertainty surrounding Masataka Yoshida’s rehab, the Boston Red Sox have finally received a much-needed dose of optimism.
The team announced that the designated hitter is feeling significantly better following a recent cortisone shot and has resumed throwing from distances up to 105 feet. Barring setbacks, Yoshida is targeting a return later this summer.
Red Sox Struggling, Sign of Hope with Masataka Yoshida
This update couldn’t come at a better time for Boston. Yoshida, who underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum earlier this season, had been progressing slowly, sparking concern about his long-term availability. Now, his return appears imminent with a minor league rehab assignment in late June or early July, but his role on the team remains unclear.
“Yoshida said had cortisone shot a couple of weeks ago and is now throwing out to 105 feet. Feels a lot better. Said realistic goal is to be able go on rehab assignment later this month or early next month,” team commentator Rob Bradford said.
Though he initially resisted the designated hitter role after signing with Boston, Yoshida had settled in and produced solid numbers prior to his injury. Over his two seasons with the Red Sox, he has posted a .285 batting average with a .343 on-base percentage and a .433 slugging mark.
Yoshida said had cortisone shot a couple of weeks ago and is now throwing out to 105 feet. Feels a lot better. Said realistic goal is to be able go on rehab assignment later this month or early next month
— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) June 10, 2025
His disciplined approach at the plate has been sorely missed, especially in critical moments. Boston leads MLB with 188 strikeouts with runners in scoring position and ranks second in total strikeouts, a glaring issue in close games, where the team has lost 17 one-run contests.
However, with Rafael Devers now thriving as the team’s everyday DH, the Red Sox will need to make a tough call on Yoshida’s defensive assignment. The outfield is currently overloaded with talent.
Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, Rob Refsnyder, and rising prospect Roman Anthony are all vying for time. Rafaela, signed to a long-term extension and considered one of the premier defenders in the league, is virtually untouchable. Duran and Abreu have been productive, and Refsnyder provides valuable veteran flexibility.
Yoshida is now in a vulnerable position as a result. Even though it appears plausible, the left field is a crowded and competitive position. To break the impasse, there have even been rumors that the Red Sox would consider a trade or a change in stance.
Thanks to impressive performances by Duran, Devers, and newcomer Alex Bregman, Boston’s offensive lineup continues to rank among the top 10 in baseball. However, the team’s weak point has been its erratic pitching and incapacity to perform when things count.
In the end, Yoshida’s influence will be determined by where he plays as well as when he returns. Without upsetting the current dynamic or adding to the already overburdened roster, Boston must now determine how to reintegrate one of their most reliable hitters.