Masataka Yoshida returns from the IL on July 23, 2025, as the slumping Red Sox face the Phillies. Can his bat help Lucas Giolito avoid a series sweep?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when the vibes were starting to dip, the Red Sox received a major shot in the arm. Masataka Yoshida has been officially reinstated from the 60-day injured list and is expected to be a factor immediately as Boston tries to avoid a sweep at the hands of the Philadelphia Phillies. After dropping the first two games of the series and scoring just three total runs, Yoshida's professional bat is a welcome sight for a lineup desperately in need of a jolt.
In two games against the Phillies, the Red Sox have been outscored 7-3, a slump they desperately hope Masataka Yoshida's bat can help break.
The wait is over. After a lengthy stint on the IL, Masataka Yoshida is back in the big leagues. Following a successful five-game rehab assignment where he hit a solid .286 with three RBI, the front office deemed him ready to return. To make room, outfielder Nate Eaton was optioned to Triple-A Worcester and pitcher Nick Burdi was transferred to the 60-day IL. Yoshida's return couldn't be more timely. His plate discipline and ability to consistently make hard contact are exactly what's been missing from a lineup that has looked lost in Philadelphia.
With Yoshida hopefully lengthening the lineup, the focus shifts to the mound. The Red Sox hand the ball to Lucas Giolito (6-2, 3.59 ERA) in a crucial series finale. Boston needs a deep, quality start from their veteran righty to have a chance. He'll face off against the Phillies' Jesús Luzardo (8-5, 4.29 ERA), who has been a formidable opponent this season. After losing 3-2 and 4-1, another low-scoring affair could be on the docket, putting immense pressure on Giolito and the newly-reinforced offense to deliver.
While Yoshida's return is a huge positive, the training room door is still revolving. The pitching staff remains decimated, a key reason for the team's recent struggles to hold leads and piece together games. Key arms like Tanner Houck (elbow), Liam Hendriks (hip), and Josh Winckowski (elbow) are all still weeks away from returning. The situation is even more dire when you remember that Triston Casas and Kutter Crawford are lost for the season. This context makes every single victory, and every healthy player, incredibly precious down the stretch.
Tonight is a pivotal moment. With Yoshida back, the offense has the potential spark it's been missing. But it all comes down to execution against a tough Phillies team. Can Lucas Giolito play the role of stopper and can the bats finally wake up to salvage a game in this series? All eyes will be on Citizens Bank Park at 7:00 PM ET to see if the reinforcements are enough to turn the tide.
