Roman Anthony has been placed on the injured list, creating an opportunity for Masataka Yoshida to solidify his role in the Boston Red Sox lineup. Yoshida has been performing well, reaching base in his last seven games.
Boston Red Sox designated hitter Masataka Yoshida
Roman Anthony Injury Creates Golden Opportunity For Red Sox Veteran originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Boston Red Sox placed Roman Anthony on the injured list Thursday. One of their hottest hitters can use the young outfielder's absence to prove he belongs in the lineup.
Masataka Yoshida has started Boston's last two games at designated hitter, and he's reached base in his last seven contests despite appearing in two as a pinch-hitter. The 32-year-old has delivered when his number is called this season, batting .295 with a .411 on-base percentage through 73 plate appearances.
It's an encouraging bounce-back effort from Yoshida, who hit a modest .266/.307/.388 in 55 games after returning from a shoulder injury last season. Despite his $18 million annual salary, Yoshida appeared to enter 2026 without a role in Boston's crowded outfield.
Anthony's IL stint gives Yoshida a longer runway as a starting fixture against right-handed pitchers. The lefty wields a career .296/.351/.445 slash line against opposite-handed pitchers and is 15-for-48 with 10 walks to just six strikeouts with the platoon advantage this season.
The specific details of Roman Anthony's injury have not been disclosed in the article.
Masataka Yoshida has reached base in his last seven games and is batting .295 with a .411 on-base percentage this season.
Roman Anthony's injury opens up a chance for Masataka Yoshida to prove his value and secure a more permanent spot in the lineup.
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The Red Sox can't count on Yoshida to repair their power deficiency, as he's yet to hit a home run this season. However, the former Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star still wields Boston's third-highest weighted runs created plus (122 wRC+) behind Willson Contreras and Wilyer Abreu.
If Yoshida keeps producing at this level, interim manager Chad Tracy may have a hard time keeping him out of the lineup when Anthony returns. That also makes this stretch pivotal for Jarren Duran, who's snapped out of a funk to belt three home runs in his last seven games.
Yoshida should draw another start against righty Jesse Scholtens when the Red Sox play the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.