Masataka Yoshida on his first exhibition game: ‘I felt a really fresh feeling’
Masataka Yoshida made his Red Sox exhibition debut, batting in the cleanup spot and playing left field versus Northeastern.
The Japanese star played one inning, he went 0-1 with an RBI sac-fly.
His first baseball game with the Red Sox was surreal, it was a moment he’ll never forget. While this moment will be nothing compared to Opening Day at Fenway Park, it was still special nonetheless.
“First of all, I was happy to stay healthy and, also, I was really excited to play in that atmosphere,” Yoshida said through an interpreter. “I felt a really fresh feeling. Everything in English, including the announcements, that’s a really good opportunity to get to know Major League Baseball.”
After the Red Sox signed Yoshida to a five-year, $90 million contract while also sending a posting fee of $15.4 million to the Orix Buffaloes, Boston knew they were investing in a special talent.
Yoshida is not known for having a great glove but more for his offensive output. He looked comfortable at the plate. It’s not known yet where manager Alex Cora will pencil him into his lineup.
The 29-year-old picked up his first RBI in the top of the first, after falling down in the count 0-2, the next pitch he saw, he took it to the opposite field.
“With a two-strike count, I try to hit the ball to the opposite field. That’s good for me,” he said.
Yoshida will only have a few games with the Red Sox this spring. He will make his way over to the World Baseball Classic and compete with Team Japan.