Red Sox Clubhouse Bug Sidelines Another Key Bat
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The Boston Red Sox are dealing with an unwelcome visitor inside their clubhouse. Masataka Yoshida missed his second consecutive game Sunday because of an illness that appears similar to the one that recently sidelined Willson Contreras.
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Interim manager Chad Tracy confirmed Yoshida stayed away from Fenway Park entirely Saturday. The 33-year-old returned to the ballpark before Sunday afternoon’s series finale against the Athletics, but he had not recovered enough to rejoin Boston’s lineup.
“He’s under the weather, we’ve got some of that stuff going around,” Tracy said, per the Boston Herald.
Yoshida Follows Contreras Onto Sideline
The illness previously affected Contreras, who exited Tuesday’s game against the Chicago White Sox after experiencing a fever and dizziness. He subsequently missed two games before returning to the lineup Saturday. Yoshida appears to be following a similar recovery timeline. Tracy said Yoshida’s fever had subsided and some of his other symptoms had improved. The Red Sox planned to let him complete light work Sunday before evaluating how his body responded.
Boston did not place Yoshida on the injured list, indicating the organization believes his absence will be brief. The Red Sox begin a four-game road series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday, however, and Yoshida’s availability remains uncertain. The situation is particularly frustrating because the veteran hitter had forced his way into a prominent offensive role.
Yoshida began the season as a reserve amid Boston’s crowded outfield and designated hitter picture. He started receiving regular opportunities shortly before the All-Star break and took full advantage of them.
During that stretch, Yoshida batted .306 with three home runs, 14 RBIs and an .884 OPS. He also recorded eight walks compared to only five strikeouts.
“He’s been incredible,” Tracy said.
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Illness Interrupts Yoshida’s Resurgence
Yoshida’s production has helped stabilize a Red Sox lineup forced to navigate numerous injuries and constant roster movement. His comeback also represented a significant personal turnaround.
Yoshida had every reason to become frustrated earlier this season. He frequently was left out of the starting lineup and faced repeated questions about whether Boston should trade him to a club capable of providing more consistent playing time. He never publicly demanded a move. Instead, Yoshida remained prepared for pinch-hit opportunities until an everyday role finally opened.
The result was some of his best baseball since joining the Red Sox. Yoshida’s elite bat-to-ball ability gives Boston a different type of threat from the power hitters surrounding him. He rarely strikes out, works competitive plate appearances and can punish mistakes to every part of the field.
Now the Red Sox must hope the illness spreading through their clubhouse stops with two players.
Contreras returned after a short absence, and Yoshida’s improving symptoms provide reason for optimism. But Boston is in the middle of a demanding stretch of 16 consecutive game days, leaving little time for players to recover.
The Red Sox already have survived injuries, trade deadline changes and a difficult schedule during their remarkable second-half surge. A clubhouse bug has become their latest opponent.