Red Sox' Masataka Yoshida surging at the plate when needed most
Over the last few weeks, Masataka Yoshida has been one of the Red Sox's best players. Since the calendar flipped to August, he has helped keep the Red Sox in the playoff race and shown why he is critical to their success.
Through 68 at-bats this month, Yoshida has posted a .353 batting average and driven in 12 runs. His power has been on full display as eight of his 24 hits have gone for extra bases. Regardless of the situation, he has found a way to come through when the Red Sox need a spark.
Although the 31-year-old has shown a talent for coming through in critical moments, what has stood out is his ability to get on base. He has seven multi-hit games this month with no signs of slowing down. That has been key for a Red Sox offense that has had to carry the load at times due to a shaky bullpen. When Yoshida isn’t crushing line drives off opposing pitchers, he has shown excellent plate discipline, drawing seven walks.
Due to his recent surge, Yoshida’s numbers look very different than four weeks ago. He is hitting .297 on the season, eight points higher than his rookie campaign. He also only needs six more home runs to match his total from last year, which he could reach if he can maintain his hot streak. That is the type of player the Red Sox expected Yoshida to be entering the season.
With the Red Sox battling for a playoff spot, Yoshida’s brilliance at the plate has come at the perfect time. They recently welcomed Triston Casas back from the IL, giving them another dangerous bat. A lineup featuring Casas, Yoshida, Rafael Devers, Jarren Duran, and Ceddanne Rafaela could do a lot of damage in the postseason.
While this season has been full of ups and downs for Yoshida, his recent play has provided a reminder of how important he is. When he is locked at the plate, the Red Sox offense is much harder to face and capable of putting runs on the board in a hurry.
