Red Sox Face Setback as Masataka Yoshida Suffers Injury Complication
The Boston Red Sox started their 2025 season with a win, but the good news was overshadowed by a concerning injury update regarding Masataka Yoshida. The outfielder and designated hitter was on track to return after shoulder surgery, rehabbing with the team’s Triple-A affiliate. However, his progress has now been delayed due to a new injury setback.
Yoshida’s Rehab Hits a Roadblock
Yoshida had been recovering in Fort Myers, where he was expected to gradually build momentum before rejoining the Red Sox. However, manager Alex Cora shared on Thursday that Yoshida is now dealing with a sore back, forcing him to travel to Boston for further evaluation.
“We were planning to keep him in Fort Myers until he was ready for the outfield,” Cora told MassLive’s Sean McAdams. “But he’s flying up to Boston now to continue his rehab, and once he’s ready, he’ll rejoin the team.”
Cora did not specify when Yoshida suffered the injury or provide a timeline for his return.
How This Impacts the Red Sox
This unexpected development raises concerns about when Yoshida will finally be game-ready. The initial plan was for him to ease back into competition with Triple-A Worcester, but now he will need medical clearance before resuming baseball activities.
If his back soreness is minor, he could still return relatively soon. However, if the issue lingers, it may prolong his recovery, creating another challenge for a Red Sox team hoping to gain early-season momentum.
A Crucial Bat for Boston
The Red Sox were counting on Yoshida to add power to their lineup once he returned. After an impressive 2023 season, his performance dipped in 2024, finishing with a .280 batting average, .349 on-base percentage, and .415 slugging percentage. He contributed 10 home runs, 27 walks, and 52 strikeouts, along with 106 hits and 45 runs scored.
Now, Boston must wait for further medical updates before knowing when Yoshida can make an impact again. His status will be closely monitored in the coming weeks as the team hopes this latest setback doesn’t turn into an extended absence.