Despite how well Masataka Yoshida is playing for the Red Sox of late, the team opted to not to start him Friday night.
Yoshida was benched in Boston’s first game of its series against the Tigers in favor of Rafael Devers, who was the Red Sox’ designated hitter in their 7-5 victory Friday. Devers had missed the previous three games due to shoulder soreness.
The 31-year-old Yoshida – who did pinch hit in the 10th inning Friday – is batting .294 on the season, including .341 in the second half (36 games). He owns a .798 OPS with nine home runs and 48 RBI in 82 games as Boston’s designated hitter.