Masataka Yoshida
Breakdown
Performance
NewsPowered by
Powered by
May 8, 2026
Receives uptick in playing time
Yoshida started at designated hitter and went 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in Thursday's 8-4 loss to the Tampa Bay.
Analysis
Yoshida is getting more opportunities with Roman Anthony (wrist) landing on the 10-day injured list Thursday. Without Anthony, the lefty-batting Yoshida has started two consecutive games and should continue to get work whenever the Red Sox face a right-hander.
May 5, 2026
Enters mid-game Monday
Yoshida entered Monday's 5-4 win over the Tigers to play left field after Roman Anthony (wrist) was removed from the game. Yoshida went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored.
Analysis
Where former manager Alex Cora tried to weave Yoshida into starting lineups more consistently, interim manager Chad Tracy sees him more as a weapon off the bench -- the outfielder is 2-for-5 with two walks as a pinch hitter. He's started just once in the eight games since Boston's managerial change; however, with Anthony heading back to Boston for more testing, Yoshida could slip into the starting lineup Tuesday and/or Wednesday in left field or as the designated hitter. In limited run in 2026, Yoshida is slashing .296/.415/.370 with 10 walks, four doubles, five RBI and six runs scored over 65 plate appearances.
