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The Boston Red Sox have cleared outfielder Masataka Yoshida to play in Grapefruit League contests after he successfully faced live batting practice.
Yoshida is working his way back from surgery for a labral tear in his right shoulder, though he’s currently limited to throwing from 45 feet. Despite the slow buildup, Red Sox manager Alex Cora remained optimistic about his progress in an interview after the team’s 8-2 loss to the Rays in Grapefruit League action.
“There’s a chance Masa will start DH’ing soon,” Cora said. “Let’s see how he feels.”
The wait is over. According to Ian Browne of MLB.com, Alex Cora confirmed in Clearwater that Yoshida will step in as the designated hitter for the upcoming games.
Meanwhile, Cora has plenty on his plate, with the looming drama over the third base position surrounding Rafael Devers and Alex Bregman.
The Red Sox have a big decision to make at third base. Will they turn to former Houston Astros 3B Alex Bregman or stick with Rafael Devers?
The situation has grown more tense, as Devers has been outspoken about staying at third base ever since the team signed the 2024 Gold Glove winner to a three-year, $120 million deal.
Devers and Bregman have been rotating at third base during spring training, but the real question remains who will claim the spot when Opening Day arrives on March 27?
Red Sox’s Roster Reportedly Set Barring ‘Unexpected Opportunity’
The Boston Red Sox ended up being one of the most active teams in baseball throughout the offseaon.
Boston struck early with Aroldis Chapman, Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler, and Patrick Sandoval and then was quiet for a while. The Red Sox didn’t stop there, though. Boson signed Alex Bregman, Adam Ottavino, Trayce Thompson, and Matt Moore among other moves.
The Red Sox certainly look like one of the best teams in baseball on paper and it doesn’t sound like there are likely going to be any other changes in the near future unless there’s an “unexpected opportunity,” according to the Boston Globe’s Alex Speier.
“With the caveat that an unexpected opportunity could present itself, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said he’s not looking to make further additions to the roster after bringing Ottavino, outfielder Trayce Thompson, and left-hander Matt Moore into camp on minor league contracts,” Speier said.
The Red Sox really don’t need to do anything else. Boston’s biggest needs heading into the offseason were a right-handed slugger, reinforcements for the starting rotation, and bullpen help. Bregman is the right-handed star Boston needed. Crochet and Buehler are certainly more than the Red Sox could’ve hoped for. Chapman, Ottavino, and Moore, should all help Boston. It’s unclear if Ottavino and Moore will make the roster, but they have upside.
There’s a lot to like about Boston right now. Hopefully, they can stay healthy throughout Spring Training over the next few weeks.
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