Masataka Yoshida feels he is very close to making his comeback with the Boston Red Sox’s big league team.
The outfielder will begin his rehab assignment on Tuesday in the Minor Leagues after a long recovery from shoulder surgery he underwent in October 2024. He experienced a setback during Spring Training and has been working on his return ever since.
«For me, being able to go back out there as an outfielder was the goal when I decided to have this surgery,» said Masataka Yoshida through his interpreter, Yutaro Yamaguchi, on Friday ahead of the series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays. «I’m just walking toward that goal.»
«That’s the plan,» manager Alex Cora added when asked if Masataka Yoshida will play the outfield in Worcester.
The surprising moment came when the Japanese-born player was asked if he expects to return before the All-Star break, which is in two weeks.
«Yeah,» he said. «It’s taken longer than I expected. My goal was to be ready for Opening Day, but it’s been a long process. I think I’m ready to go.»
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«He is somebody that controls the strike zone,» said manager Alex Cora about Masataka Yoshida. «He is a veteran guy that knows what he needs to do in the box. I’m gonna be very comfortable once he gets here. If it’s soon, it’s soon; if it’s later, it’s later.»
Photo: @RedSox
