The Boston Red Sox are facing a significant issue that is expected to persist for several weeks. With Rafael Devers transitioning to the designated hitter role this season, the team has placed Masataka Yoshida in a challenging position.

Yoshida, who primarily served as the DH last season, is still recuperating from offseason shoulder surgery and is not regarded as a strong outfielder. Despite the Red Sox investing $90 million in Yoshida over a five-year deal extending through 2027, there is a growing sense that his tenure with the team might not last much longer. Boston’s outfield is already crowded, and top prospect Roman Anthony is on the brink of joining the major leagues.

While the Red Sox will eventually need to decide on Yoshida’s future—potentially excluding him—the slow pace of his recovery has granted them a temporary reprieve. How much longer will this last? It seems it will be several additional weeks. On Thursday, MLB.com’s Ian Browne shared on X that the Red Sox plan to send Yoshida to extended spring training in Florida next week.

Following that, he will only embark on a standard minor-league rehab stint once his throwing arm regains full strength. “Masataka Yoshida will participate in extended Spring Training games in Fort Myers starting the week of April 14,” Browne noted. “His Minor League rehab assignment won’t commence until his throwing is at 100 percent. Alex Cora mentions his throwing is currently inconsistent, with both good and bad days.”

Even when Yoshida is fully recovered, the Red Sox might hope for another team to acquire him through a trade. Insider Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic suggested earlier this week that if a trade partner doesn’t materialize, Yoshida could eventually be designated for assignment. The 31-year-old power hitter has demonstrated his skills in his two years with the Red Sox. However, he faces a challenging journey to prove he can live up to the star potential he was initially signed for, whether that journey continues in Boston or elsewhere.