Masataka Yoshida DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

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.