Red Sox Place Two Major Contributors on Injured List

The Boston Red Sox have placed designated hitter Masataka Yoshida and right-handed pitcher Justin Slaten on the injured list, according to Alex Speier of The Boston Globe. This latest string of injuries adds Yoshida and Slaten to recently sidelined right-hander Garrett Whitlock. The team announced three rehab assignments this week: shortstop Trevor Story, outfielder Roman Anthony, and utility infielder Isaiah Kiner-Falefa.

Yoshida, 33, suffered a visible hamstring injury while attempting to advance to second base on a double against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday. The fourth-year player was previously utilized as the team's leadoff hitter after a strong August start (.326/.380/.512). Slaten, 28, joined Whitlock on the injured list due to soreness in his throwing elbow after experiencing similar issues for several days.

Slaten was initially expected to take on the role of the primary eighth-inning reliever, but that duty will now be handled by right-hander Tyron Guerrero and/or left-hander Erik Miller.

To replace Yoshida and Slaten, the Red Sox will recall catcher/infielder Mickey Gasper and right-hander Raymond Burgos. Gasper, 30, had a mixed May and June, batting .243/.305/.308 before significantly improving to .337/.450/.566 since being sent to Triple-A Worcester. Burgos, 27, made two appearances earlier in the month, saving the bullpen after two consecutive long games against the Chicago White Sox.

The Red Sox hope to benefit from added length from their starters due to bullpen injuries, while reinforcements will arrive for the lineup.