The Boston Red Sox secured a win on Opening Day, but it wasn’t all positive news to start the 2025 MLB season.
Outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida had been expected to return early this season after shoulder surgery. He was sent to the Red Sox’s Triple-A affiliate to rehab and build momentum for his return.
However, his path back to the regular season hit a setback after Red Sox manager Alex Cora shared concerning news Thursday with MassLive’s Sean McAdams. Yoshida is now dealing with a sore back, requiring him to travel from Fort Myers to Boston for evaluation.
He has a sore back. He’s actually flying to Boston. We were planning on keeping him in Fort Myers until he was able to go to the outfield. But he’s going to fly up there, he’s going continue his rehab for the (shoulder) in Boston and whenever he’s ready to play (he’ll join us).
Boston Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida (7) runs to first base against the New York Yankees in the first inning during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Cora didn’t specify when Yoshida suffered the injury or how long he might be out.
Initially, the plan was for Yoshida to rehab in Fort Myers, where he would progress with the minor league team and see some action on the field. However, the injury’s severity now necessitates travel to Boston for further evaluation and rehab before he can rejoin the team.
This setback could delay Yoshida’s return, adding another challenge to an already slow start to the season.
Despite a solid 2023 campaign, Yoshida showed signs of regression last year. He posted a .280 batting average, a .349 on-base percentage, and a .415 slugging percentage, along with 45 runs, 106 hits, 10 home runs, 27 walks, and 52 strikeouts.
Yoshida could return sooner than expected if his back injury isn’t serious. However, if the issue requires more rehab, he may face an extended recovery.
