This Red Sox Outfielder Starting Over With Rehab Throwing Program

BOSTON — Masataka Yoshida still isn’t playing anytime soon for the Red Sox.

Yoshida hasn’t played this season, despite continuing to hit and take batting practice, as the Red Sox want him to feel 100% healthy and be able to play the outfield in an eventual return. Yoshida stopped throwing recently with complications from offseason shoulder surgery. For now, it’s back to square one as he essentially started his throwing program over Wednesday.

“Masa starts throwing today and hitting, he’s been doing that,” Cora said Wednesday. “I think 60 (feet).”

When Yoshida is ready to play, it’s hard to see where the Red Sox will put him. There’s already a crowded outfield and Roman Anthony is pounding on the door to the big leagues. Rafael Devers is still the designated hitter, so Boston must get creative with Yoshida.

Among other injury Red Sox updates, Cora shared that Tanner Houck will begin throwing Thursday or Friday. Kutter Crawford will throw a three-inning live batting practice on one of those days as well. Romy Gonzalez also needs more time on the injured list after reaggravations running in rehab from a quad contusion. Finally, Richard Fitts was slated for a rehab start Thursday in Worcester, but that game already got postponed due to inclement weather.