Red Sox Masataka Yoshida Nears June Rehab Assignment After Shoulder Surgery

Masataka Yoshida, the Boston Red Sox outfielder and designated hitter, is making significant progress in his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery. After receiving cortisone shots, Yoshida has improved to throwing 105 feet and is targeting a rehab assignment beginning in late June or early July. His return is highly anticipated given his consistent offensive production, including a .280/.349/.415 slash line with 10 home runs and 56 RBIs in 2024, and it could create one of the deepest outfield groups in baseball alongside players like Jarren Duran and Marcelo Mayer. The Red Sox have been struggling with strikeouts and clutch hitting this season, and Yoshida's presence is expected to bolster their lineup. Despite his injury, he remains a valuable asset under a five-year, $90 million contract signed in 2023. The team is cautious, aiming to have Yoshida fully healthy and capable of playing the outfield before he returns to the active roster.