Masataka Yoshida’s Triumphant Return Brings New Energy to Surging Red Sox
Masataka Yoshida is officially back — and the timing couldn’t be better for the Boston Red Sox.
After spending over three months recovering from right shoulder surgery, Yoshida made his long-awaited 2025 season debut Wednesday as the Red Sox’s designated hitter against the Colorado Rockies. It’s been a long road back for the talented left-handed slugger, who last played in October before undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum. Now fully recovered, Yoshida is stronger than ever and finally pain-free, something he openly shared through an interpreter. He admitted what he missed most was the nervousness the game brings — that rush of adrenaline only stepping into the batter’s box can offer.
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But his return didn’t come without consequence. In a tough roster decision, Boston sent utility man Nate Eaton back to Triple-A Worcester to make room for Yoshida’s activation. Eaton had been filling in admirably, even batting leadoff recently, and showing flashes of value with speed and defensive versatility. Yet, with a roster jam — particularly in the outfield and DH mix — someone had to go, and unfortunately for Eaton, he was the odd man out.
The Red Sox also made a corresponding 40-man roster move, transferring reliever Nick Burdi to the 60-day IL due to ongoing hip issues.
Manager Alex Cora now faces the challenge of juggling playing time among a crowded outfield that includes Ceddanne Rafaela, Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, and promising rookie Roman Anthony. Yoshida will primarily DH against right-handed pitchers, while others rotate through outfield positions. Cora has made it clear that everyone’s on board with the strategy — it’s about winning now.
Boston is heating up, riding a five-game winning streak and a 7-1 run that’s pushed them from below .500 to firmly back in the playoff conversation. They’ve outscored opponents 46-14 over that stretch, and adding a hitter of Yoshida’s caliber could only strengthen that surge. Last season, Yoshida posted a solid .260/.349/.415 slash line with 10 homers and 56 RBIs over 108 games — respectable numbers, especially considering he played through shoulder pain much of the year.
Yoshida has been showing signs of his old form — and maybe something more. According to Cora, he's once again “backspinning the ball” like he did in 2023, a hint that the best version of Yoshida might still be ahead.
With the All-Star Break looming, the Red Sox are giving Yoshida a few key games to get back into rhythm. If his new strength translates into game power, Boston may have just gotten a serious midseason boost — not through a trade, but through the return of a key weapon they’ve been missing all year.
The buzz is back at Fenway. And so is Masataka Yoshida.
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