Red Sox Injury Updates: Buehler Nearing Return, Fitts and Yoshida On the Mend

The Red Sox are in second place in the AL East despite a .500 record thanks to the struggles of their rivals. They do trail the New York Yankees, but remain in the hunt thanks to six offensive players with a wRC+ over 115 and solid pitching from some of their stars. The Red Sox had big plans for Walker Buehler, Richard Fitts, and Masataka Yoshida this season; however, injuries have limited Fitts and kept Yoshida out all season thus far. How much longer can fans expect to be without these three?

Walker Buehler
Buehler has struggled at times this season through 33 2/3 innings despite a 4-1 record. He has posted a 4.28 ERA, although this is heavily skewed by the four and five runs he allowed in his first two starts, respectively. Since then, the righty has given up three runs once and two or fewer in three games.

The 30-year-old suffered minor bursitis in his right shoulder and went on the 15-day injured list on April 29. Buehler is allowed to return on May 14, but he will throw a bullpen session on May 8 to determine his health. Barring any setbacks, he could return on his first available date against the Detroit Tigers, or next weekend when the Red Sox return home against the Atlanta Braves. 

Hunter Dobbins, the Red Sox's 14th-ranked prospect, has been recalled, but he struggled in his first start back in the big leagues. He allowed four earned runs, walked two, and struck out only twice. The righty's next start is slated against the Texas Rangers on May 9, and he should continue to fill in until Buehler is ready to return.

Richard Fitts
Fitts, who is still technically a rookie in 2025, has performed admirably this season. He started three games and gave up three runs in his first two outings, but he had a stellar outing versus the Chicago White Sox most recently. The righty only allowed two hits, a walk, and struck out five before suffering a strained pectoral muscle on April 12.

Fitts made the Opening Day roster because Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito missed the season's start on the 15-day injured list.
Fitts is throwing off the mound but will need to make rehab starts before getting activated. However, Bello and Giolito's return and Dobbins' emergence could block Fitts' return to the big leagues. These obstacles mean he will likely head to Triple-A until an injury in the Red Sox's rotation opens up, though perhaps another swingman spot in the bullpen could open up next to Sean Newcomb.

Masataka Yoshida
Yoshida has adjusted to the stateside game since coming over from the Nippon Professional League (Japan) in 2023. Over two seasons, he has hit 25 home runs, scored 116 runs, and knocked in 128 runners. He has also had a wRC+ of 110 and 115 in those two seasons. 

It's a big question whether Yoshida, who had shoulder surgery in the offseason to repair his right labrum, will be healthy enough to return this season and continue performing at his usual pace. The 31-year-old's recovery has not been ideal. He has started a throwing program, but is still experiencing pain. This is something he will likely experience all season if/when he makes his return.

The Red Sox won't rush Yoshida back until he can feasibly play the field again. With Rafael Devers slotting into the designated hitter role and no signs of returning to the infield (barring a potential switch to first base), Yoshida won't be able to DH, where he primarily filled the lineup last season. So, Yoshida's rehab over the next month or two is crucial in deciding how he'll be able to contribute to Boston's cause in 2025.