BOSTON – Red Sox manager Alex Cora had some encouraging news on the injury front on Friday, announcing that Alex Bregman (left quad) has initiated baseball activities and Masataka Yoshida (right shoulder labral repair) could start a Minor League rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday.
Given the firepower lost with the trade of Rafael Devers to the Giants, getting both of those bats back in the relatively near future is critical for a Boston team trying to stay afloat in the postseason picture.
For this weekend’s three-game series at home against the Blue Jays, the Sox will be without MLB Pipeline’s No. 8 prospect Marcelo Mayer, who went on the bereavement list prior to Friday’s opener. Cora said Mayer should be back for Monday’s game against the Reds. Nick Sogard was recalled from Worcester to take Mayer’s spot on the roster and was in Friday’s lineup at third base.
Bregman was having a strong all-around season before sustaining his injury rounding first base on May 23.
“Alex hit today, [and] he’s going to take grounders tomorrow, and is progressing very well,” said Cora. “No timetable yet.”
While Bregman passed his five-week checkmark, Cora said the club will have a better idea of when the right-handed hitter can return to action after he gets tested again next week. Cora said earlier this week that it’s doubtful Bregman will play before the All-Star break.
“I don't think he's pushing faster than what he can,” said Cora. “I think he's pushing because he feels good. So we just have to be patient and be smart about it and whenever he's ready, he's ready.”
Yoshida underwent a repair of his labrum in October and the recovery wasn’t as smooth as hoped, particularly with throwing.
“It's been a little bit longer than I expected,” Yoshida said through interpreter Yutaro Yamaguchi. “My goal was to be ready by Opening Day when I got the surgery, but it's been a long process. But overall, I think I'm in good shape and ready to go.”
The hitting part of the rehab has been better. Yoshida DH’d for the Red Sox during Spring Training, but that position wasn’t an option for him during the regular season while Devers was also on the roster.
“After Spring Training, it's been a while since I faced live pitchers, but I've been using Trajekt, hitting off of it, and trying to get my timing down,” Yoshida said. “But I think it just comes down to getting myself adjusted to Major League pitching at the end of the day.”