The Boston Red Sox have not met expectations this season. However, they are still in contention for the postseason and are getting some key players back from injury.

The Red Sox have been without Alex Bregman for a while, and his return should give the team a huge boost. However, Masataka Yoshida seems ready to make his season debut. Alex Cora announced that Yoshida will be active on the team’s next homestand, but he was not clear exactly when, according to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo.

Advertisement

Yoshida has not played this season as he recovers from a shoulder injury. The Red Sox sent him on a rehab assignment on July 1. His rehab was accelerated slightly when the team traded Rafael Devers. With Devers gone, the DH spot is once again open for Yoshida. While Devers was on the team, Yoshida was going to be played in the outfield.

Yoshida was the designated hitter in all but one of his appearances last season. Yoshida signed a five-year, $90 million deal before the 2023 season. He has hit 25 home runs in two seasons, but he was a great power hitter in Japan.

He hit 20-plus home runs in four of his final five Nippon Professional Baseball seasons. He is now in his third season as a big leaguer, and with Devers gone, he and Bregman may be relied on to carry a young offense.

Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp

The Red Sox are 2 1/2 games out of a wild card spot entering play on Saturday. Getting Yoshida back could be a step toward making a run to get into October.

More MLB: Braves trade proposal brings Pirates superstar to Atlanta in 3-for-1 blockbuster