Masataka Yoshida's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Boston Red Sox designated hitter Masataka Yoshida finished 1-for-4 on the evening, the one hit being a game-tying two-run home run in the ninth inning Friday in a 5-3 extra-inning victory over the New York Yankees in the Bronx. The Red Sox were down to their last strike when Yoshida silenced the New York crowd when he took a low and in sinker on a 3-2 count and golfed it 405 feet into the right field bleachers. Ceddanne Rafaela followed that up with a leadoff two-run home run in the 10th inning to secure the come-from-behind win for the Sox. After an underwhelming first half of the season for Yoshida, with only two home runs and a .246 batting average, the 30-year-old's bat is starting to heat up. In a short sample size in July Yoshida is 6-for-17 with a home run and five RBI. Unfortunately, it isn't enough to warrant picking him up on waivers quite yet, but if he keeps this hot streak up he could be a solid add in deeper leagues, despite not getting many at-bats versus left-handed pitchers.

When asked if outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida (thumb) could be ready for a minor-league rehab assignment when the Boston Red Sox leave for Chicago to play the White Sox later this week for a series that runs Thursday through Sunday, manager Alex Cora said, "Hopefully. Hopefully." Yoshida was able to take live batting practice on the field on Sunday and is getting closer to returning from a left-thumb strain that has kept him out since April 28. Once Yoshida starts his rehab assignment, he might only need several games before the Red Sox reinstate him from the 10-day injured list. Before his injury, Yoshida was serving as Boston's primary DH against right-handed pitching. The 30-year-old Japanese outfielder's strength is his ability to make contact and get on base. Through his first 164 big-league games, he's hit .287/.339/.438 with 17 homers, 83 RBI and eight steals for Boston.

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora said before Friday's series opener against the visiting Detroit Tigers that outfielder Masataka Yoshida (thumb) is scheduled to take batting practice on Saturday. It'll mark the first time Yoshida has done so since he was placed on the injured list a month ago due to a strained left thumb. If he is able to take batting practice without discomfort, Yoshida expects to ramp up toward a minor-league rehab assignment soon and could return to the Red Sox at some point in June. Even though the 30-year-old left fielder felt like a fantasy bust before he got hurt, Yoshida was batting a healthy .275 with two home runs, 11 RBI, and 12 runs scored through 24 games (80 at-bats) as Boston's primary designated hitter and can chip in across the board when available. With Yoshida on the shelf, veteran sluggers Dominic Smith and Garrett Cooper are platooning for ABs at DH but aren't viable fantasy options.

Boston Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida (thumb) started hitting off of a tee earlier this week. The 30-year-old avoided surgery on his thumb, but he had been fully shut down from swinging a bat. It is nice to see him starting to show progress in his recovery. Yoshida has not played since April 28 and is likely still weeks away from returning. He was slashing .275/.348/.388 with two home runs, 11 RBI, and 12 runs scored at the time of the injury. It will be interesting to see what the Red Sox do when he returns as their other outfielders have been relatively productive in his absence.

Boston Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida (thumb) got a third opinion on his left-thumb injury on Thursday and told two Japanese media members that he won't need surgery. Yoshida received good news after being placed on the injured list with a strained left thumb, and avoiding surgery will be huge in terms of a quicker return to Boston's lineup. The 30-year-old is eligible to come off the IL now, but he's not close to a return. We'll give you updates on Yoshida's progress with his injured thumb as he progresses. In the meantime, the contact artist and primary DH for the Red Sox should be stashed in most fantasy formats. At the time of his unfortunate thumb injury, he was hitting a strong .275/.348/.388 with two home runs, 11 RBI and 12 runs scored in 80 at-bats. Rob Refsnyder will likely be the biggest beneficiary for Boston until Yoshida is able to return.