Boston Red Sox outfielder and designated hitter Masataka Yoshida recently underwent a successful right shoulder labral repair, the team announced Wednesday. The surgery was performed by Dr. Evan O’Donnell at Massachusetts General Hospital on October 3, addressing an injury Yoshida had been managing throughout the season.
Yoshida, who slashed .280/.349/.415 with 10 home runs over 108 games, had hinted at the possibility of surgery after battling persistent shoulder pain. While his offense remained solid, his role was limited—both by the injury and a thumb sprain that kept him out of action for more than a month, sidelining him until mid-June.
Despite his offensive contributions, Yoshida’s role with the Red Sox was somewhat restrictive, as he was deployed primarily as a designated hitter against right-handed pitchers and rarely played in the field, logging just one defensive inning all season. This one-dimensional usage raised questions about his long-term fit in Boston, with some speculating that an offseason trade might be on the table. However, the surgery adds uncertainty to his trade prospects.
While Yoshida’s timetable for a return remains unclear, his platoon DH role could expedite his comeback. However, his limited utility against left-handed pitching and defensive shortcomings could make it challenging for the Red Sox to maximize roster flexibility. Now, with his surgery completed, Boston faces a critical offseason decision: Will they continue to build around Yoshida, or seek alternatives to boost their depth?
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