Masataka Yoshida DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

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.