BOSTON — In the three weeks since Triston Casas suffered a season-ending knee injury, the Red Sox have exclusively used internal options to fill their first base vacancy. On Thursday, they made an external addition via trade.
Boston acquired first baseman/outfielder Ryan Noda from the Angels for cash considerations and immediately optioned him to Triple-A, where he’ll join the WooSox. Noda required a 40-man roster spot, so Boston transferred rehabbing outfielder/DH Masataka Yoshida to the 60-day injured list. It’s a paper move that doesn’t impact Yoshida’s timeline.
Noda is a 29-year-old left-handed hitter who has spent the early part of the season with the Angels’ Triple-A affiliate in Salt Lake after the Halos acquired him off waivers in November. He hit just .148 with four homers, eight RBIs, 53 strikeouts and a .633 OPS in 154 plate appearances to start the year. The former Athletic, however, is just two years removed from a good rookie season in the big leagues.
Noda posted a 2.2-bWAR season in Oakland in 2023 as a Rule 5 pick, hitting .229 with 16 homers, 54 RBIs and a .770 OPS in 128 games for the A’s. He posted a 15.6% walk rate as a rookie. After serving as the Opening Day first baseman last year, he scuffled early (he hit .128 through May 1) and was sent down to Triple-A, where he spent the bulk of the year before returning for 11 September games. The Halos claimed him off waivers and stashed him in the minors to start the season.
Noda, who spent time in the Blue Jays and Dodgers organizations before joining the A’s, is simply a depth piece who should play different positions in Worcester after making 13 starts in right field, eight at first base, four in left field, and four in center field for Salt Lake to start the year. Currently, the Red Sox have Nick Sogard and Abraham Toro splitting time at first base with Romy Gonzalez (quad) on the injured list. Kristian Campbell has begun taking reps at the position, which might lead to Marcelo Mayer being called up to play second base. So far, there are no indications that the Red Sox think Rafael Devers will change his mind and start learning first.
Yoshida hasn’t played yet this season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder in early October. Continued pain while ramping up throwing led to a cortisone shot earlier this month, and Yoshida just restarted his throwing program by playing catch from a 60-foot distance Wednesday. He was not going to be ready by Monday (the 61st day of the season) anyway, so the shift to the 60-day IL doesn’t impact his timeline for a return. It just clears a 40-man roster spot for Noda. Yoshida remains a ways away from activation.