In Boston, the latest medical assessment regarding Red Sox designated hitter Masataka Yoshida’s injured thumb indicates that surgical intervention will not be necessary. However, he is expected to remain sidelined for an extended period.
Manager Alex Cora revealed that the 30-year-old will refrain from swinging a bat for at least a few weeks. “Now we’ve just gotta wait,” Cora remarked ahead of Friday’s game against the Nationals at Fenway Park. “Obviously treatment and then see how he feels in a few weeks. We go from there. No swinging. But at least we know that at one point he’s going to be available and he’s going to be able to help us.”
Yoshida was placed on the 10-day injured list by the Red Sox on May 1 due to a left thumb strain. The injury occurred during an at-bat in Boston’s game on April 28.
Currently in the second year of a five-year, $90 million contract, Yoshida holds a batting average of .275 with a .348 on-base percentage, .388 slugging percentage, .736 OPS, two home runs, three doubles, 12 runs, 11 RBIs, six walks, and 11 strikeouts in 24 games (89 plate appearances).
Reflecting on his injury, Yoshida remarked on its rarity, stating, “All I can say right now is that’s a rare case.” He conveyed this sentiment through interpreter Yutaro Yamaguchi during an interview on Wednesday.
