The Boston Red Sox's lineup is as thin as it's been all year. Boston has been hit with injuries all over the field, but one player's return could help mitigate some of the stress on its bats.
The Red Sox activated Masataka Yoshida on June 11, hours before the beginning of their series against the Phillies. Yoshida has been sidelined since April 29 with a thumb strain, which required multiple doctor visits to determine surgical intervention was not needed.
Alex Cora previously said he was hopeful that the designated hitter would be ready during the week of June 10, but he didn't expect him to be activated until around June 13. He's in Boston's June 11 lineup against Philadelphia, and will bat fifth.
Yoshida was sent on a rehab assignment with the WooSox on June 8-9. The 31-year-old went 1-for-7 with a walk and two runs scored over his two Triple-A outings.
Garrett Cooper was designated for assignment to open up a roster spot for Yoshida. The veteran was brought in to alleviate some of the stress on the Sox's lineup after Triston Casas' injury.
Masataka Yoshida is back, and Garrett Cooper is gone. Tuesday roster moves:https://t.co/Qun3vSFnHx
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) June 11, 2024
Red Sox fans expected a lot out of Cooper due to his early-season success with the Cubs, but his tenure in Boston was low on offensive production. Cooper batted .171/.227/.229 in 24 games with the Red Sox and .270/.341/.432 in 12 games with Chicago.
Unfortunately for Boston, the team have to wait for some key returns to the infield. Casas has been characteristically positive about his rib injury, but his progress may be slightly delayed.
The first baseman shared on June 5 that he hoped to be swinging a bat by the end of the week. He's been participating in other baseball activities and swinging is supposed to be his last step before he goes on a rehab assignment.
Red Sox activated Masataka Yoshida, Triston Casas and Vaughn Grissom still need time
Casas has not been cleared to swing yet, which is going to delay his progress. The 24-year-old shared that he hoped to return to the Red Sox lineup by July 1, which may no longer be possible. Casas has explained that his injury heals best with rest.
"It's one of those things, that I actually regress with activity," Casas said on NESN's June 5 broadcast of the Sox game. "It just takes a lot of rest, I'm trying to find a balance between activity and staying in shape but also trying to let it recover and give it some time to heal."
Boston has yet to provide a target return date for Vaughn Grissom. The young infielder missed all of spring training and the first 32 games of the season with a hamstring strain, and then injured the other hamstring on June 1.
Grissom underwent an MRI which revealed a minor strain. The second baseman has still been staying in shape, though, and he hit indoors on June 8. Grissom's first strain resulted in a months-long absence. But since he's been swinging a bat, his recent one sounds less severe.
Hopefully, Casas and Grissom can find a balance in recovery and get back on the field soon. The Red Sox's bench is dangerously thin, and it's shown in recent games.