In a blow to the Boston Red Sox, designated hitter Masataka Yoshida has been placed on the injured list due to a hand injury. The team's manager, Alex Cora, provided an update on Yoshida's condition, stating that the medical staff is currently collecting more information about his injury. While surgery is not the expected course of action, it has not been ruled out entirely.

Yoshida's injury occurred during an at-bat against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, when he jammed his hand. Following an MRI on Wednesday, it was determined that he would need time off the field to recover. Prior to his injury, Yoshida had been struggling for consistent playing time, going a week without making a start. This setback further complicates his return to regular play.

Currently, the Red Sox have a staggering 13 players on the injured list, making it a challenging time for the team. To compensate for Yoshida's absence in the lineup, Boston has looked to various replacements. Players such as Dominic Smith, Garrett Cooper, Zack Short, and Vaughn Grissom have either joined the club or are expected to in the coming days. Smith and Cooper are anticipated to serve as designated hitters and share first base duties with Bobby Dalbec.

While Yoshida is currently on the 10-day injured list, there is a possibility that he may be transitioned to a longer designation later on. With the Red Sox facing an injury-plagued season, swift and effective solutions must be found to maintain the team's competitive edge.

The Red Sox are set to compete against the San Francisco Giants in the final game of their three-game series at Fenway Park. Scheduled for 1:35 p.m. ET, the matchup marks the end of the season's games between the two teams. Fans can catch an hour of pregame coverage on NESN before the first pitch is thrown. As Boston navigates through their injury challenges, they aim to remain resilient in their pursuit of success.