Red Sox Veteran Underwent Surprise Surgery Following Season

Red Sox outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida underwent successful right shoulder surgery on Oct. 3, the team announced Wednesday.

Yoshida has dealt with a few different ailments during his brief tenure with the club, most notably a thumb injury that kept him sidelined for six weeks early this season. The Red Sox never announced anything related to his shoulder, however, as it likely could have been recognized during end-of-season physicals.

The 31-year-old finished the season slashing .280/.349/.415 with 21 doubles, 10 home runs, 56 RBI and two stolen bases — hitting seven of his homers across July and August. Boston played him minimally in the field last season, utilizing him as a designated hitter perhaps in an effort to keep him healthy.

Boston revealed the procedure was performed by Dr. Evan O’Donnell at Massachusetts General Hospital.