Boston Red Sox outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida (shoulder) will get "light work" at first base during his rehab assignment. However, he's unlikely to see game action at the position, Sean McAdam of MassLive.com reports. "I don't anticipate him starting at first base," Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. "but if something crazy happens, at least he can catch throws and knock down a ground ball." Yoshida, who has been out all season after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery, embarked on a rehab assignment this week and should make his 2025 debut soon. He played almost exclusively at the DH position last year and hit .280/.349/.415 with 10 homers, 56 RBI, and 45 runs scored in 421 plate appearances.

Boston Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida (shoulder) is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment on Tuesday. This is good news as Yoshida has been sidelined all season due to offseason shoulder surgery. That being said, Yoshida is going to play quite a few rehab games before returning to the big league roster. The hope is that Yoshida will be able to return after the All-Star break. He exclusively served as the designated hitter last season, but could get some reps in the outfield. It's uncertain if he'll get regular playing time in Boston, so Yoshida isn't someone that needs to be rostered right now.

Boston Red Sox outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida (shoulder) could start a minor-league rehab assignment on Tuesday, according to the Boston Herald's Gabrielle Starr. The plan is for Yoshida to play the outfield at Triple-A Worcester. The 31-year-old Japanese outfielder has yet to play in 2025 after having right-shoulder surgery last October and served strictly as a DH for the team last year, so this could be a sign that the Red Sox are planning to trade Jarren Duran before the July 31 deadline this summer. Yoshida has made plenty of contact in his two big-league seasons in Boston, hitting .285 with a .343 on-base percentage, but his 25 home runs in 248 games has left a lot to be desired from fantasy managers. Still, Yoshida will be worth a pickup in at least deep-mixed leagues whenever he returns if he's playing regularly for the Red Sox.

Boston Red Sox designated hitter Masataka Yoshida underwent a right shoulder labral repair on October 3, 2024, in Boston. It appears that his shoulder doesn't bother him when he hits. In addition, on June 14, he was spotted throwing in left field, increasing the intensity and velocity of his throws, according to a beat writer for the Red Sox, Christopher Smith. He had appeared in 11 Grapefruit League games during spring training and batted .286 (10-for-35) with a homer and double. The shoulder only seems to be an issue when he throws, and with Rafael Devers being traded to the San Francisco Giants, the designated hitter position is now open. According to Manager Alex Cora, he said, "We're going to meet tonight or tomorrow to go over a few things. Let's see if we can speed up the process," he said on Tuesday at T-Mobile Park. "He can swing the bat. Now it's a matter of him getting at-bats and all that. However, it also respects the rehabilitation of the shoulder. So we'll decide that sooner rather than later. And we'll go from there." Since the departure of Devers, Cora has switched up the designated hitter a few times in their last few games.

Boston Red Sox outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida (shoulder) is making progress as he works back from offseason surgery on his right shoulder. Yoshida returned to "making throws from left field to second base at increased intensity and velocity" on Thursday, per MLB.com. He's on track to make his season debut sometime after next month's All-Star break. The former Japanese star hit a respectable .285/.343/.433 .280/.349/.415 with 10 homers and 56 RBI over 421 plate appearances in his second season in the bigs last year. It's unclear how much playing time he'll receive in the majors this season, however, as Rafael Devers is occupying the full-time DH position. Yoshida figures to play outfield on a part-time basis, limiting his fantasy value.

Boston Red Sox outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida (shoulder) has resumed throwing from 60 feet. Manager Alex Cora said that Yoshida is basically restarting his throwing progression ever since receiving a cortisone shot. Yoshida had surgery on his right shoulder in October of last year and has been hitting since spring training. However, the 31-year-old has had complications with his throwing and won't be allowed to return from the injured list and to the major-league roster until he's able to play on defense. He still needs to be cleared for a minor-league rehab assignment, so the earliest we'll see Yoshida make his 2025 season debut will be at some point in June. With Rafael Devers as the club's full-time DH now, the contact-oriented Yoshida will probably be in a part-time outfield role in Boston, limiting his fantasy value in mixed formats.

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora said on Thursday that he thinks outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida (shoulder) could begin his throwing program this weekend. Yoshida was recently shut down from throwing earlier this week after receiving a cortisone shot in his surgically-repaired right shoulder, but he could start throwing again this weekend. Hitting hasn't been an issue for Yoshida, but the 31-year-old will not be cleared to make his 2025 major-league debut until he's able to throw without pain. The Japanese left-handed hitter might not be an option to rejoin the Red Sox's roster until June, as he'll likely need a minor-league rehab assignment first. He has hit for a strong .285 average in his first two seasons in the big leagues, but Yoshida has hit only 25 total home runs and may not be destined for everyday playing time whenever he comes off the IL.

Boston Red Sox outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida (shoulder) will play in extended spring training games in Fort Myers, Fla., starting next Monday, April 14. Yoshida won't start a minor-league rehab assignment until he is throwing at 100 percent. Manager Alex Cora said Yoshida's throwing right now is inconsistent. The 31-year-old Japanese outfielder played in 11 spring training games and hit .286 (10-for-35) with a home run and seven RBI, but he was never cleared to play defense after having offseason shoulder surgery and is still working on a throwing program in Arizona. Masataka has great bat-to-ball skills, but his limited power has been a disappointment in fantasy since he arrived in the States in 2023. It's unlikely we'll see him make his 2025 big-league debut until May, and when he does return, he'll probably be the odd-man out with Rafael Devers serving as the regular DH.

Boston Red Sox outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida (shoulder) is throwing out to 110 feet, but when asked if next week is a consideration for him starting a minor-league rehab assignment, manager Alex Cora said, "Not yet." "He needs to make throws from the outfield. It's not just standing there," Cora said. "You have to make throws. So we'll see how that goes." Yoshida had offseason surgery on his right shoulder and still isn't ready to play in games after starting the 2025 season on the 10-day injured list. In addition to his injury and the fact that he's been a disappointment for fantasy managers outside of his high contact rate, the 31-year-old Japanese outfielder might be the odd-man out of the Red Sox's starting lineup when he's healthy now that Rafael Devers is serving as the primary DH. In addition to rehabbing his shoulder, Yoshida also dealt with a minor back injury this spring.

Boston Red Sox outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida (back, shoulder), who started the season on the injured list as he recovers from a right-shoulder labral repair last October, is doing baseball activities again after being shut down for a few days with minor back tightness. Yoshida took 50 swings in Boston on Sunday, according to manager Alex Cora. The left-handed-hitting Japanese outfielder continues to build up to a throwing program, but he might be a man without a position on the major-league roster when he makes his 2025 debut now that Rafael Devers is serving as the team's primary DH. "Feeling better," Cora said Saturday. "Nothing throwing-wise." When Yoshida is eventually cleared to play in games, he's expected to join Triple-A Worcester on a minor-league rehab assignment. Barring a setback, Yoshida could be activated from the IL before the end of April.

Sean McAdam of Masslive.com reports that Boston Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida (shoulder) traveled back to Boston for consultation on the back injury he's dealing with. McAdam notes that he'll stay there for shoulder rehab until he is game-ready. The 31-year-old was never expected to be ready for the Red Sox opener, though it shouldn't be long before he rejoins the team. The lefty hit a respectable .286 this spring (10-for-35) in 11 appearances but was having issues throwing the ball while recovering from surgery to fix a torn labrum in his right shoulder last October. He was far superior against right-handed pitching in 2024.

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida (shoulder) will start the 2025 season at Triple-A Worcester as he continues to build out his throwing program as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery. Specifically, Yoshida won't play in the WooSox's opening home series but will likely join the team in Jacksonville on April 1. This had been the expectation for a while for the 31-year-old lefty hitter after he had surgery last October to fix a torn labrum in his right shoulder. He was able to make nine starts in the Grapefruit League and hit a solid .321 in 28 plate appearances, but he's not ready to throw, which is an issue now that Rafael Devers is opening the year as Boston's primary designated hitter. Even when Yoshida is return to make his 2025 debut for the BoSox, his playing time is likely to be limited as a platoon option in left field.

Boston Red Sox outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida (shoulder) continues to build up his throwing progression after having offseason right-shoulder surgery, but he's only throwing at 60 feet. Yoshida has appeared in Grapefruit League games at DH, but The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey thinks the likely scenario at this point is that Yoshida will start the season on the injured list with third baseman Rafael Devers (shoulders) serving as the DH. The 31-year-old Japanese outfielder has gone 4-for-16 with a double and four RBI in five spring training games. With Devers potentially serving as the regular DH for the majority of the 2025 season, it means that Yoshida would have to return to outfield work if he's to continue seeing regular at-bats. Yoshida has made plenty of contact in his two years in the big leagues, but his lack of power and dwindling playing time are an issue for his dwindling fantasy value.

Boston Red Sox designated hitter Masataka Yoshida (shoulder) is set to make his spring debut on Sunday. Yoshida is expected to serve as a designated hitter. The 31-year-old is still recovering from the surgery he underwent on his right labrum in October. Yoshida will continue to serve as a DH for the time being as he has yet to fully progress through his throwing program. Last summer, he made only one start in the outfield and logged his other starts as a DH. Across 108 contests, Yoshida held a .280/.349/.415 slash line with 21 doubles and 10 home runs. He swiped two bags. Under the hood, he generated a .258 xBA with a modest .322 xwOBA, suggesting he may face some regression when he returns to the field. During the regular season, fantasy managers should expect him to operate primarily as a DH, which could limit his playing time.

Boston Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida (shoulder) is ready to serve as the designated hitter during spring training. The organization has been bringing him along slowly due to his lingering shoulder issues. It's good news that Yoshida is ready to start swinging the bat during games. However, Yoshida is still early in his throwing program and has only progressed to throwing from 45 feet. The expectation is that Yoshida is going to spend most of his time at DH anyway this season. The Red Sox already have three capable outfielders, so Yoshida is the odd man out right now and could see even fewer at-bats if Rafael Devers (shoulder) moves to more of a permanent DH role in 2025.

Boston Red Sox designated hitter Masataka Yoshida (shoulder) has been cleared to take live batting practice in camp, according to Mass Live's Christopher Smith. Yoshida needed surgery last October to fix a tear in the labrum in his right shoulder, which is why he's been delayed early in spring training. However, the Red Sox expect the 31-year-old Japanese slugger to be ready for Opening Day at the end of March as long as he doesn't suffer any setbacks with his surgically repaired shoulder once he begins swinging a bat. Even if Yoshida is ready for the start of the 2025 regular season, his fantasy value will be down after disappointing in his first two big-league seasons in Beantown. He makes plenty of contact and has hit .285 in 248 games, but he lacks power (25 homers) and is a DH-only in fantasy. If the Red Sox end up moving Rafael Devers or Triston Casas to DH in 2025, Yoshida could lose valuable playing time.

The Boston Herald's Gabrielle Star reports that Boston Red Sox outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida (shoulder) said he's planning to be ready for Opening Day in late March. Yoshida has made plenty of contact for the Red Sox in his two seasons with the team, but he's coming off right-shoulder injury and has pretty much become a full-time DH at this point. The 31-year-old left-handed hitter's fantasy profile wasn't helped when Alex Bregman signed with Boston, either, as either Rafael Devers or Triston Casas could see more time at DH if the team uses Bregman at third base. Yoshida hit .280/.349/.415 with a .765 OPS, 10 homers, 56 RBI and 45 runs scored in 108 games played last year. He's limited defensively, doesn't hit for much power and is now an injury question mark, dropping his fantasy stock significantly going into his third year in the big leagues.

Boston Red Sox outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida (shoulder) said at Fenway Fest last month that he expected to be swinging by late January and throwing by March, but he didn't want to put a timetable on whether he'd be ready for Opening Day, writes The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey. Yoshida had shoulder surgery last October, with the Red Sox revamping his offseason workouts as a result. He still has three years remaining on a five-year deal, but he hasn't been able to stay healthy, and his production has dipped as a result. All but one of the 31-year-old left-handed hitter's games in 2024 came as Boston's DH, slashing .280/.349/.415 with 10 homers, 56 RBI and 45 runs scored in 108 games. You can count on Yoshida to make plenty of contact and hit for average, but question marks around his health, limited positional versatility and lack of pop leave him virtually zero fantasy upside.

Boston Red Sox designated hitter Masataka Yoshida (shoulder) could play some outfield if he remains with the team in 2025, according to manager Alex Cora. However, the left-handed hitter is a potential trade candidate this offseason as the BoSox look for more right-handed bats for their lineup, so there's no guarantee Yoshida will even be in Boston by Opening Day. But the Red Sox could have trouble finding a team willing to take Yoshida, who is due $55.8 million over the next three years and is coming off surgery to fix a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder in October. He was limited to designated-hitter duties in 2024 but made 84 starts in left field as a rookie in 2023. Yoshida never went on the injured list in 2024, but his lingering shoulder issue limited him to just one inning in left field. He's been mediocre for fantasy managers in his first two years with a .280 average, 25 homers and a .775 OPS in 248 games.

Boston Red Sox outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida (shoulder) is "making a ton of progress" this offseason and should be swinging a bat in spring training, according to chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. Yoshida required surgery to fix a labral tear in his right shoulder in October, but barring a setback in his rehab, the 31-year-old Japanese outfielder should be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season. He's been mostly a disappointment for the Red Sox and still carries $55.8 million left on his deal, which has prompted Boston to discuss him in trade talks this offseason. Yoshida was basically a full-time DH in 2024 -- he played just one game in the outfield. For fantasy purposes, Yoshida has nice contact skills -- he slashed .280/.349/.415 -- but he'll limit you defensively and doesn't hit for much power (just 10 homers).