When Masataka Yoshida returns from the injured list, the Red Sox expect he’ll see time in the outfield along with his usual role as designated hitter.
But if Wednesday was any indication, he could potentially become an option at first base too.
Prior to beginning his rehab assignment with the Worcester Red Sox, Yoshida was spotted taking grounders at first base, according to a video posted by Tommy Cassell of the Worcester Telegram.
Masataka Yoshida is taking ground balls at first base here ahead of the WooSox game at Polar Park.
Here’s a video compilation: pic.twitter.com/icr1ysp8vu
— Tommy Cassell (@tommycassell44) July 2, 2025
Yoshida has never played first base in his professional career, either in the big leagues or during his seven seasons playing in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball. Asked about the possibility he could play the position for the Red Sox, manager Alex Cora said he doesn’t expect him to be a major factor at first but that they want to keep their options open.
“Just taking ground balls, getting accustomed to it just in case in case of an emergency. He’s been doing it for a while, he just hasn’t done it here,” Cora said, noting that they approached Yoshida two weeks ago. “Something we asked him to do and he was like yeah I’ll do it right away. He ordered a first base mitt five minutes later and started taking grounders.”
“I don’t anticipate him starting at first base but if something crazy happens at least he can catch throws and knock down a ground ball,” Cora added.
Since Triston Casas went down with a season-ending knee injury, the Red Sox have largely relied on Romy Gonzalez, Abraham Toro and Nick Sogard at first base. Gonzalez and Toro comprise the current tandem and have exceeded expectations, with Gonzalez batting .304 with an .856 OPS entering Wednesday and Toro batting .286 with a .790 OPS.
The Red Sox have also had rookie Kristian Campbell resume his work at first base since demoting the top prospect to Triple-A. Campbell played his fourth game at first in the early game of Wednesday’s doubleheader.
Now Yoshida would potentially give the Red Sox another internal candidate, though the club has suggested it could bring in outside help ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. Yoshida started the first game of his rehab assignment Wednesday afternoon at DH, going 0 for 2 with a walk and a strikeout, and the expectation is he could play the outfield this coming weekend.
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