Masataka Yoshida began his rehab assignment with the Worcester Red Sox Wednesday night.
The outfielder/designated hitter underwent shoulder surgery last Fall, and was placed on the 60-day injured list in May.
“I just want to get back out there as soon as I can,” Yoshida said via his interpreter. “A lot of people have supported me, helped me along the way so I’m really thankful for them and I just want to deliver good results for these people.”
In his first appearance, he went 0-for-2 with a walk and a strikeout.
Yoshida made some headlines when he was spotted getting work at first base before the game.
“It’s hard to say,” he said when asked how he feels about it. “I’ve only gotten reps in practice so I just have to see in the game how I feel.”
Yoshida said he and the Red Sox have not discussed when or if he will actually play first in a game, but it is an option moving forward.