Boston Red Sox $90 Million Man Set For Another Benchmark in Surgery Recovery

Masataka Yoshida, who is recovering from a torn labrum, has been cleared to hit live batting practice.

Boston Red Sox Masataka Yoshida (7) looks to throw form left field during spring training at Jet Blue Park at Fenway South in 2025. / Chris Tilley-Imagn Images

Boston Red Sox outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida has been cleared to start taking live batting practice, per a report from Christopher Smith of MLB.com.

He's recovering from offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right arm.

Masataka Yoshida has been cleared to hit live BP.

— Christopher Smith (@SmittyOnMLB) February 26, 2025

Heading into 2025, Yoshida is a very interesting case for the Red Sox. Because of Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela (and top prospect Roman Anthony), he really has limited chances to play in the outfield. Thus, he's slotted in as the designated hitter, at least against righties, but that's a tough pill for the organization to stomach, considering they gave him $90 million just two winters ago.

Yoshida has seemed like a viable trade candidate for the organization, but this health issue -- and the remaining $54 million or so on his contract -- have obviously made that tough.

Yoshida hit .280 with 10 homers and 56 RBI in 2024, battling a thumb injury and his defensive limitations en route to just 378 at-bats. He still posted a solid .349 on-base percentage and has elite bat-to-ball skills. For a Red Sox team that is trying to cut down on strikeouts, he seems like a valuable piece, but playing time is challenging, as mentioned above.

The Red Sox are coming off a year in which they went 81-81 and finished third in the American League East. After offseason additions of Walker Buehler and Garrett Crochet, they do figure to be much better this season, potentially even challenging for the American League East title.

The Red Sox open the season on March 27 against the Texas Rangers.

Related MLB Stories

ON THE MEND: After dealing with an illness early in camp, Boston Red Sox Gold Glover Wilyer Abreu has been cleared to work out, but he can't participate in baseball activities. CLICK HERE:

SCARY MOMENT: Joey Loperfido, who is trying to make the Toronto Blue Jays as a reserve outfielder, left the game on Wednesday in a scary moment. CLICK HERE:

INSIDE TRACK: Miguel Vargas, who was acquired by the Chicago White Sox last season, has the inside track at third base heading into the year. CLICK HERE:

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