Masataka Yoshida Addresses Possibility Of Playing First Base

The Boston Red Sox outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday after being placed on the 60-day injured list on May 22 to recover from right shoulder labral repair.

Yoshida made news before the first game of the WooSox’s doubleheader when he was seen fielding ground balls over at first base. With the Red Sox rumored to be active on the trade market, the sight of Yoshida taking infield practice at the position quickly raised eyebrows.

Speaking to the media after his first rehab appearance with Worcester, Yoshida was asked if playing first base once he’s activated to return to the Red Sox’s 26-man roster was something he would be comfortable with at the Major League level.

“I mean, it’s hard to say. I only got reps (at first base) in practice,” responded Yoshida, per The Worcester Telegram & Gazette’s Tommy Cassell.

Asked if the idea to take ground balls at first base was an idea that originated with the Red Sox coaching staff, Yoshida dismissed that notion, but showed his willingness to learn the position if asked by the team to do so.

“We haven’t talked about that yet, but it’s an option,” said Yoshida.

That being said, the 31-year-old had a relatively quiet day at the plate during his first rehab game with the WooSox. Batting second as the designated hitter, Yoshida was 0-for-2 with a walk and a strikeout during Worcester’s 5-2 loss against Syracuse. He did not start Game 2 of the doubleheader.