Player Updates and Highlights
Masataka Yoshida: Receives Uptick in Playing Time
Rotowire | May 8, 2026
Yoshida started at designated hitter and went 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in Thursday's 8-4 loss to the Tampa Bay.
Yoshida is getting an opportunity with Roman Anthony (wrist) landing on the 10-day injured list Thursday. Without Anthony, the lefty-batting Yoshida has started two consecutive games and should continue to get work whenever the Red Sox face a right-hander.
Wilyer Abreu: Notches Third Steal
Rotowire | May 8, 2026
Abreu went 1-for-3 with a stolen base and one RBI in Thursday's 8-4 loss to the Rays.
Abreu has gone 7-for-26 (.269) over the first seven games of May, and he's added a 6:9 BB:K and four RBI. The outfielder also has two steals over his last three contests, though he's up to just three thefts on four attempts, as running isn't a large part of his game.
The outfielder is batting .300 with an .841 OPS, five home runs, 17 RBI, 19 runs scored, six doubles and one triple across 37 contests and has often been the Red Sox's most reliable hitter.
Trevor Story: Picks Up Steal in Loss
Rotowire | May 8, 2026
Story went 1-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored in Thursday's 8-4 loss to the Rays.
Story has gone 11-for-45 (.244) over his last 11 games, but he's also racked up 14 strikeouts with just one extra-base hit and two steals in that span.
The shortstop has struggled significantly so far, batting .204 with a .528 OPS, four steals, two home runs, 18 RBI, 14 runs scored and six doubles over 36 contests. The Red Sox haven't done well as a team, and Story's large contract gives him a bit more leeway to stay in the lineup, especially since other options at shortstop like Andruw Monasterio and Isiah Kiner-Falefa aren't hitting any better.