The Boston Red Sox are closing in on the return of their slugging outfielder and designated hitter Masataka Yoshida. Alex Cora announced that he will be beginning a rehab assignment on Tuesday in preparation to join the major league club.

“The swing feels great,” Cora told Mike Monaco of WEEI. “The throwing has been a lot better being able to bounce back. We just have to map it out how many games in the OF vs. DH. In the end, when the hitting feels comfortable, he’ll be with us.”

The disparity of games in the outfield and as the designated hitter will be determined by the long-term health of Yoshida’s shoulder. After undergoing surgery in the offseason, Yoshida has been working back to return to the lineup for the Red Sox. However, the Rafael Devers trade will allow for plenty of time at designated hitter if necessary to get comfortable in the outfield.

Yoshida has not been as promised since signing a $90 million contract two seasons ago, batting .285 with 25 home runs in the last two seasons. Yoshida still has the potential to show off the power that earned him the contract, but the main key is his staying healthy for the long run.

The Red Sox enter Saturday in fourth place in the American League East, but not nearly removed from a playoff spot, only three games back of the final wild card slot.

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