Red Sox's Casas, Yoshida Aim to Regain Roles After Injury Setbacks

Triston Casas and Masataka Yoshida look to bounce back from major injuries and reclaim their spots on the Red Sox roster.

Feb. 14, 2026 at 8:23pm

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Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas and outfielder Masataka Yoshida are both working to recover from significant injuries that derailed their 2022 seasons. Casas, who suffered a torn left patellar tendon, is still working his way back to full health and participation in team activities. Yoshida, who had right shoulder surgery last July, is also looking to regain his form after an unspectacular 2022 campaign. Both players face roster challenges, with Casas' primary position taken by a trade acquisition and Yoshida's playing time uncertain due to the Red Sox's outfield depth. The two are focused on their recoveries and confident they can regain their places on the team when healthy.

Why it matters

Casas and Yoshida were both expected to be key contributors for the Red Sox in 2022, but their seasons were derailed by injuries. Their ability to bounce back and reclaim prominent roles will be crucial for the Red Sox as they look to return to contention in the AL East. The team's depth at first base and in the outfield also complicates the path back for Casas and Yoshida, respectively.

The details

Triston Casas suffered a torn left patellar tendon in a fall while trying to beat out a grounder on May 2, 2022. He is still working his way back to full health and has not been cleared to participate in full-squad workouts with the team. Casas believes he is on track for a return around May 1, 2023. Masataka Yoshida struggled after returning from right shoulder surgery last July, batting .266/.307/.388 with 11 doubles, 4 homers, and 26 RBIs in 205 plate appearances. However, he started to look like himself again in September, posting an .837 OPS.

  • Casas suffered his injury on May 2, 2022.
  • Yoshida had right shoulder surgery last July.
  • Casas is targeting a return around May 1, 2023.

The players

Triston Casas

A first baseman for the Boston Red Sox who is recovering from a torn left patellar tendon suffered in 2022.

Masataka Yoshida

An outfielder for the Boston Red Sox who is recovering from right shoulder surgery in 2022.

Willson Contreras

A trade acquisition who has taken over the starting first base role for the Red Sox.

Roman Anthony

An outfielder in the Red Sox's system with depth in the outfield.

Jarren Duran

An outfielder in the Red Sox's system with depth in the outfield.

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What they’re saying

“'When I'm healthy, I fit on any team,'”

— Triston Casas

“'This was a major injury and I'm a great player, and I don't find any reason to rush this process. And whenever I feel ready to come back is when I am going to contribute best.'”

— Triston Casas

“'Now that I have three years under my belt, to be honest with you guys, these three years weren't what I expected, so I'll leave it at that.'”

— Masataka Yoshida

What’s next

The Red Sox will monitor Casas' and Yoshida's progress closely as they work to regain their health and form. Casas is targeting a return around May 1, while Yoshida will look to build on his strong finish to the 2022 season.

The takeaway

Casas and Yoshida face uphill battles to reclaim their roles with the Red Sox, but their talent and determination suggest they can overcome their recent injury setbacks. The team's depth at their respective positions complicates their paths, but if they can get healthy and productive, they could provide a significant boost to the Red Sox's lineup and playoff aspirations.