Overview
- Masataka Yoshida pulled his left hamstring while hustling out a double Saturday and was placed on the injured list after an MRI showed a significant strain that the team says could keep him out toward the end of the regular season.
- The Red Sox completed an MRI on Aug. 17 and are seeking additional medical opinions, leaving a postseason return undecided as doctors review the extent of the injury.
- Yoshida had been one of Boston’s best hitters in August, hitting roughly .326 with a near-.900 OPS in the month, so his absence creates a clear offensive shortfall for the stretch run.
- The club received better health news for pitchers: Garrett Whitlock and Justin Slaten had MRIs showing inflammation but no structural damage, and Tanner Houck threw 20–25 live BP pitches at about 93 mph and is considered ‘in the picture’ for a possible late-season role.
- Boston will mix and match the DH spot and lean on rehabbing position players such as Roman Anthony, who began a Double-A rehab assignment, while managers monitor medical updates and how the roster adjustments affect lineup production and bullpen workload.