After the Boston Red Sox lost Roman Anthony to an oblique injury and a long injured list stint on September 2, fans and experts feared for their playoff fate. But just as Anthony's regular season ended, a new offensive x-factor emerged.
Masataka Yoshida has finally hit his stride at the plate, and his sudden production has gone a long way toward replacing Anthony in Boston's lineup. Yoshida is batting .333/.344/.474 with eight runs, five doubles, a homer and 11 RBI in September.
Yoshida has been particularly clutch against the Toronto Blue Jays, the longtime first place team in the American League East. The designated hitter/outfielder has owned Toronto since his MLB debut in 2023, and he's maintained his dominance with the Sox's playoff standing on the line. Yoshida is batting .361/.374/.577 with a .951 OPS, four home runs and 17 RBI against the Jays in 25 career appearances against them.
The Nippon Professional Baseball veteran and World Baseball Classic champion is a known slow starter in MLB. He also underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum last October, and he spent around seven months recovering before his debut in July. Yoshida explained how he found his rhythm to Christopher Smith of MassLive.
Masataka Yoshida's hot streak is the offensive boost the Red Sox desperately needed for their playoff push
Masa there goes that man! pic.twitter.com/1FNnkEyKdu
— Red Sox (@RedSox) September 25, 2025
“I’ve been getting into the clubhouse early, working with the hitting coaches. Thanks to them. I’m really thankful for putting that work in every day. And I think I’ve been able to show what we’ve been working (on), in the cage, on the field,” Yoshida said after the Red Sox's 7-1 win over the Blue Jays on September 24.
Manager Alex Cora lavished his DH with praise for his sudden heroics at the plate, and noted that he carried the Orix Buffaloes' offense during his playing career in Japan. A previous statement from Cora has rung true again since Yoshida's resurgence: "We have a great offense but when he’s going like this, we’re elite" (subscription required).
The Red Sox's magic number has dropped to one after their September 24 victory in Toronto — they can clinch their first playoff berth since 2021 by beating the Blue Jays in the series finale. If Yoshida's success against the Jays continues, their Wild Card spot could be a lock.
Boston hopes for Anthony to recover and return at some point during the postseason, but the few updates it has given on his recovery progress aren't encouraging. The Red Sox may have to make it ot the ALCS to have any chance of the rookie playing again this season, and Yoshida could be one of their key offensive producers to get them there. If he can maintain his torrid streak, he and Anthony in the same lineup would bring offensive length the 2025 Red Sox haven't had all year.