ANAHEIM, Calif. — Masataka Yoshida has missed nearly half of the 2025 season, but finally, the Red Sox can see some light at the end of the tunnel.
Yoshida, who has been working out back in Boston as the Red Sox made their way down the West Coast, could begin a minor league rehab assignment as early as next Monday.
Yoshida underwent major surgery on his right shoulder last October, and while he was able to serve as a DH during spring training, ran into some setbacks when it came to throwing and being able to play the outfield.
In recent weeks, however, those obstacles have been cleared as his throwing progression has advanced. Moreover, the trade of Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants nine days ago has created an opening at DH Yoshida could soon fill.
“There’s a good chance he’ll go on a rehab assignment next week,” said Alex Cora as the Red Sox prepared to kick off a three-game series with the Los Angeles Angels. “We’re going to push him a little harder with the throwing (this week), training-wise and all that stuff, see how he responds. We believe he’s over the hump already, but now it’s push him with a little more work, more throws and all that stuff – back to back days – and see how he reacts.”
Typically, players undertake a rehab assignment that can last as many as 20 days. But both the Red Sox and people close to Yoshida believe he won’t need that long before being ready to help the Red Sox.
“I’ll sit down with him and see how he feels with the at-bats,” said Cora on the topic of how long Yoshida might need, “and his swing and we’ll decide that based on him.”
In the interim, the Red Sox are rotating different players through the DH spot. Roman Anthony served in that capacity in the series opener Monday, but Cora has been adamant that he wants Anthony in the mix for the outfield, too.