The Boston Red Sox marked their fifth win against the Rockies with a 10-2 victory. And just when it seemed everything was coming together, there was an unexpected change in the lineup. One of their newest call-ups, who impressed the Red Sox faithful with his bat, was immediately sent back on a bus to Worcester. Why? Well, a player is coming back from the IL.

Their $90 million star player, Masataka Yoshida, who has been out all season, has been working hard to get back in shape. Now, it seems it won’t be long till he is back with the team. In fact, according to reports, he will be back in Fenway’s dugout by Wednesday, ready to reclaim his seat. As good as this news is for the Boston team in desperate need of quality at-bats, it’s a huge setback for the 28-year-old third baseman, Nate Eaton.

Chris Cotillo of MassLive revealed that Eaton is scheduled to be parting ways with the major league as he heads back to Triple-A. “Boston informed infielder/outfielder Nate Eaton after Tuesday’s win that he is being optioned to Triple-A Worcester, sources confirmed,” penned Cotillo. “That move will clear a spot for Yoshida, who is expected to be activated Wednesday.” 

As of now, he has played in 14 games since being promoted following the Rafael Devers trade in mid-June. Looking at his stats, he posted a decent .250/.296/.333 batting average, going 6-for-24 with one RBI, five runs scored, and three stolen bases. And yet, he has been sent to make space in the lineup for Yoshida.

The Red Sox signed Yoshida to a five-year, $90 million deal, plus a $15.4 million posting fee. After sustaining an injury last October, he underwent surgery to fix a torn labrum in his right shoulder.

Boston coaches are testing him at first base during his rehab in Worcester and Portland to improve his defensive skills. And he has certainly shown improvements. In his last two rehab games, he went 2-for-3 with two singles, a walk, and two RBIs in Portland and 1-for-5 in Worcester. Given his progress, Boston has scheduled his return in the game against the Rockies on Wednesday.

The lineup will get a boost right away with Yoshida back in the mix. He brings depth, power, and a left-handed bat that will make the lineup more balanced. However, for Boston, this is the perfect time. The team has been winning games in a surprising number of games through early July. Even skipper Alex Cora is happy with the way the team has been performing, and especially with the latest performance on the mound.

$90M splash & 10‑K mastery: Red Sox hit reset button

On Tuesday, not only was the hitting on point, but the pitching was as well. Brayan Bello, who has quietly become Boston’s most reliable pitcher lately, struck out 10 batters. And if anyone was the proudest, it was definitely Cora.

Alex Cora said, “Really good, especially early on,” praising Bello’s control and ability to stay ahead of hitters. “He was on point. Some swing and misses, was on top of hitters, got ahead, stayed ahead, buried them.” The manager’s comments spoke volumes. It might be a breakout performance that determines the right-hander’s role in the future.

This positive feeling is all over the clubhouse. As the big-money returner works on his swing and practices at first base, the pitching staff is reminding everyone why they believe in this squad so much. It’s all about momentum! The offense is exploding in important innings, the pitchers are preventing runs, and the manager is confident and clear about how to handle performances like Bello’s.

Boston’s lineup and pitching both feel fresh. Especially after clearing a spot for Yoshida. This kind of complete team performance could help them get through the run-up to the All-Star break. And maybe even lead to October glory.