Latest news with #Yoshida
Newsweek
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Red Sox Trying Another Slugger For First Base Reps
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Boston Red Sox are due for another reinforcement to the lineup with Masataka Yoshida currently working on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester. Yoshida is yet to play this season as he works back to full health from offseason shoulder surgery. BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 11: Masataka Yoshida #7 of the Boston Red Sox takes batting practice before a game against the Tampa Bay Rays on June 11, 2025 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 11: Masataka Yoshida #7 of the Boston Red Sox takes batting practice before a game against the Tampa Bay Rays on June 11, 2025 at Fenway Park in Boston, MassachusettsHe played outfield during his debut season with Boston in 2023, and he primarily swung it as a designated hitter last season. Now upon his impending return, the Red Sox have him as the latest player to explore a new position. The Red Sox could not reach an agreement with Rafael Devers before they traded him to the San Francisco Giants in June. Rookie Kristian Campbell is currently learning the position with Worcester and Yoshida jumped in that mix during pregame work at Polar Park on Wednesday. MassLive's Chris Cotillo added context around Yoshida's pregame work, saying "it's not likely that he gets into games at first base" for the Red Sox. With Yoshida potentially back before the All-Star break, Boston could finally get hot to firmly return to the playoff picture in the American League. More MLB: MLB Executives Expect Struggling Marlins Starter To Be Traded
Japan Forward
a day ago
- Sport
- Japan Forward
Masataka Yoshida Set to Start Triple-A Rehab Assignment with Worcester
Boston Red Sox outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida has been sidelined while recovering from offseason surgery on his right shoulder. Boston Red Sox slugger Masataka Yoshida in an August 2024 file photo. (©Brian Fluharty/USA TODAY SPORTS/via REUTERS) Masataka Yoshida is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with the Worcester Red Sox, the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, on Tuesday, July 1. Since the 2025 MLB season began in March, Yoshida has been on the injured list. He underwent surgery to repair a right shoulder labral tear in October 2024. Boston manager Alex Cora said the time is right for Yoshida, a left fielder/designated hitter, to take the next step toward returning to the major leagues. "The swing feels great," Cora was quoted as saying by multiple Boston media outlets on June 28. "The throwing has been a lot better, being able to bounce back. We just have to map it out — how many games in the [outfield vs designated hitter]. "In the end, when the hitting feels comfortable, he'll be with us." The Worcester RedSox, aka WooSox, face the Syracuse Mets on Tuesday. Yoshida, 31, coped with shoulder pain during the 2024 MLB season. He only played one game in the outfield. Team management wants him to be available as a designated hitter and a left fielder. After serving as DH in 11 games during spring training (he hit .286) in March, Yoshida hasn't played in a regular-season game yet in 2025. While recovering from shoulder surgery, Yoshida was unable to make throws from the outfield during spring training, according to published reports. As a result, Yoshida began the season on the injured list. Masataka Yoshida (GETTY IMAGES/via KYODO) Time away from competition has helped Yoshida's physical condition improve over the past few months. "It's been a little bit longer than I expected," Yoshida said through an interpreter recently, according to "My goal was to be ready by Opening Day when I got the surgery, but it's been a long process. But overall, I think I'm in good shape and ready to go." Before starting his injury rehab assignment, Yoshida told reporters that he hopes to return to Boston before the All-Star break starts on July 14. Although he hasn't had at-bats in a game since spring training in March, the left-handed batter, did face live pitching at Boston's training complex in Fort Myers, Florida, in April and May, reported. And in recent weeks, he's been hitting against a pitching robot. "After spring training, it's been a while since I faced live pitchers, but I've been using Trajekt, hitting off of it, and trying to get my timing down," Yoshida said, according to "I think it just comes down to getting myself adjusted to major league pitching at the end of the day." A four-time All-Star and a two-time Pacific League batting champion with NPB's Orix Buffaloes, Yoshida signed a five-year contract with the Red Sox in December 2022. Yoshida appeared in 140 games in his first season with the Red Sox. He hit .289 with 15 home runs and 72 RBIs in 2023. In 2024, he batted .280 with 10 homers and 56 RBIs in 108 games. Author: Ed Odeven Find Ed on JAPAN Forward' s dedicated website, SportsLook . Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven .
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Gives Encouraging Update On Slugging Outfielder
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Boston Red Sox are closing in on the return of their slugging outfielder and designated hitter Masataka Yoshida. Alex Cora announced that he will be beginning a rehab assignment on Tuesday in preparation to join the major league club. FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - MARCH 12: Masataka Yoshida #7 of the Boston Red Sox bats during the first inning of a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on... FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - MARCH 12: Masataka Yoshida #7 of the Boston Red Sox bats during the first inning of a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on March 12, 2025 in Fort Myers, Florida. More Photo by"The swing feels great," Cora told Mike Monaco of WEEI. "The throwing has been a lot better being able to bounce back. We just have to map it out how many games in the OF vs. DH. In the end, when the hitting feels comfortable, he'll be with us." The disparity of games in the outfield and as the designated hitter will be determined by the long-term health of Yoshida's shoulder. After undergoing surgery in the offseason, Yoshida has been working back to return to the lineup for the Red Sox. However, the Rafael Devers trade will allow for plenty of time at designated hitter if necessary to get comfortable in the outfield. Yoshida has not been as promised since signing a $90 million contract two seasons ago, batting .285 with 25 home runs in the last two seasons. Yoshida still has the potential to show off the power that earned him the contract, but the main key is his staying healthy for the long run. The Red Sox enter Saturday in fourth place in the American League East, but not nearly removed from a playoff spot, only three games back of the final wild card slot. More MLB: Best In Show Tigers Receive Reinforcements Ahead Of Holiday Weekend
Yomiuri Shimbun
4 days ago
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Southwest Japan's Callenges: Signs of Growth / Fisheries Industry Seeks Growth Overseas to Counter Declining Domestic Demand; Aquaculture, Quality Control Key Avenues
This is the fourth installment in a series of articles taking an in-depth look at industries with growth potential in Kyushu as well as Yamaguchi and Okinawa prefectures. *** Local customers enjoyed a multicourse meal in late April at the Guenpin Singapore fugu puffer fish restaurant located in a business area of Singapore. The meal included sashimi and hot pot of the fish, which was shipped from Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture. 'Japanese puffer fish is delicious. I also like the fish's milt,' said Wayne Chua,42-year-old Singaporean customer who works at a nearby insurance company. 'Eating puffer fish after a busy day at work gives me energy.' Puffer fish is a popular premium fish in Japan. Overseas, however, the fish is often perceived as poisonous and dangerous, so it has low recognition. Since 2022, in addition to the meat of Japanese puffer fish, Singapore has allowed the import of all other edible parts of the fish, including milt and skin, but only from farmed puffer fish. Previously, most customers at the restaurant were local Japanese corporate expatriates. However, local Singaporeans account for 60%-70% of all customers recently. 'I think things are going well,' said Kumiko Yamaguchi, the 53-year-old president of Osaka Prefecture-based Kanmonkai Co., which operates the restaurant, On the day, Fukutaro Yoshida visited the restaurant. Yoshida, 47, is the chief executive officer of Yoshida Suisan Co., a Shimonoseki-based company that supplies wild-caught and farmed puffer fish to the restaurant. Yoshida himself cooked in the restaurant's kitchen. 'There is significant potential for the consumption of puffer fish to grow in Singapore,' Yoshida said. 'We aim to pioneer overseas expansion.' However, expanding puffer fish export destinations is a challenge. According to the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry, many countries, excluding those in East Asia such as Japan, China and South Korea, do not have a tradition of eating fugu puffer fish. Its distribution is banned in the European Union, Britain, Vietnam and Taiwan, among other nations and regions. In this context, Yamaguchi Gov. Tsugumasa Muraoka in December last year requested Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to lift the import ban on puffer fish. The prime minister expressed his intention to begin considering the matter. Also, authorities in Taiwan have shown interest as a result of having been repeatedly contacted by interests in the prefecture, leading to the start of bilateral discussions. There are also developments outside Yamaguchi Prefecture. In April, the Kinashi Fugu Kyushu Headquarter Corp. in Usuki, Oita Prefecture, which processes and wholesales puffer fish, participated in a business event in Singapore. Usuki faces the Bungo Strait, which is known as a good fishing ground for tiger puffer. 'Some restaurants told me that they wanted to try puffer fish,' said Momoko Kinashi, the 38-year-old director of the company. 'I felt positive about their response.' Declining domestic consumption Seafood consumption in Japan is on the decline due to factors such as a declining population and a changing food culture. According to statistics from the ministry, the estimated consumption per person in fiscal 2023 was 21.4 kilograms, which is half of the peak of 40.2 kilograms in fiscal 2001. By contrast, overseas consumption is growing because seafood is a source of high-quality protein. For Kyushu and Yamaguchi Prefecture, both of which are surrounded by the sea and have thriving fishing businesses, exports are a key factor in the growth of the firms. According to the ministry, the output value of marine fisheries and aquaculture in Kyushu was about ¥350 billion in 2023, accounting for about 25% of the national total. Nagasaki Prefecture ranked second in the country, and Kagoshima Prefecture ranked fifth, indicating Kyushu's high potential. Regarding puffer fish, Tetsuya Ito of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Singapore representative office said: 'Milt has a rich flavor and texture and particularly meets local people's preferences, so I think there is room for consumption to grow. This is a good business opportunity for Japan.' Emphasis on food safety Employees of Global Ocean Works Group, which farms and processes buri yellowtail, dexterously fileted fish into three pieces early in the morning in late April at a processing plant overlooking Kinko Bay and Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture.'To maintain the good flavor of the fish, we use water and machinery as little as possible,' said a plant manager. 'Instead, we focus on skilled manual labor.' Yellowtail, which is rich in fat, is also known as 'hamachi' in the United States and is as popular as salmon. Global Ocean Works Co., a core company of the group, was founded in 2009 by Yuji Masunaga, 56, the chief executive officer of the company. He previously worked at another fisheries company and started the firm with the goal of 'reforming the fisheries industry.' He has made full use of his network to expand exports to the United States and create new opportunities. The company focuses on ensuring quality by integrating all processes, from farming to processing and distribution. The company was the first in the trade to obtain an international certification. While most companies have one or two workers in their quality control department, it has 10. Global Ocean Works Co. established a produce traceability system that can track not only the date each fish was caught but also which fish pond it came from and what it was fed. This approach is essential for exporting to overseas markets that prioritize food safety, and it has become a driving force for the company's business expansion. In only 15 years, the company has grown to having an annual sales volume of ¥30 billion. The group now employs about 300 people. Its yellowtail exports to the United States account for about 10% of the domestic total, the biggest share in the field. Concerns about international situations Farming is becoming the mainstream in the global fisheries business. According to the Fisheries Agency, global marine aquaculture production reached 71.75 million tons in 2022, which is less than the catch volume of 80.97 million tons. However, aquaculture production has increased 2.6-fold over the past 20 years. By contrast, the catch volume has slightly decreased during that period. In Kyushu, there is an increase in activities surrounding the export of farmed fish. One difficulty is that exports can be affected by international circumstances. The tariff policy of U.S. President Donald Trump's administration can deal a blow to companies exporting to the United States. Global Ocean Works has about a year's worth of stock in the United States and is not likely to be affected for the time being. However, the company is seeking to expand its export channels to other parts of the world and is considering launching sales in Europe on a trial basis. 'If we cannot adapt to the changing market conditions, we will simply sink,' said Masunaga of Global Ocean Works. 'If we can adapt, the fisheries industry is undoubtedly a profitable growth industry.'
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Final Fantasy XIV Live Letter 87 Update, Patch 7.3 Release Date and More
Image via: Square Enix With excitement over Final Fantasy XIV's upcoming 7.3 Dawntrail expansion recently increasing after this week's reveal of new playable races, Live Letter 87 brought more than just the typical news, delivering information that laid groundwork for what promises to be one of the more exciting encounter setups in FFXIV history. Patch 7.3 will be due out in early August 2025, bringing what the developers are calling an emotional and poignant climax to Dawntrail's main narrative, in addition to major revisions addressing recent player complaints. The Story Reaches Its Apex Yoshida reconfirmed that Patch 7.3 will be the climactic turning point of the Dawntrail storyline. A new dungeon The Meso Terminal and a climactic trial against a nameless enemy catapults the story conflict to a boiling point. Even more exciting is how fans can look forward to callbacks rich with lore, specifically to Final Fantasy IX and XI, giving additional depth to long-time franchise veterans. FFXIV: Letter from the Producer LIVE Part LXXXVII 87 Summary Echoes of Vana'diel : San d'Oria Returns Keeping the nostalgia trend going, 7.3 will bring the 3rd chapter of the Echoes of Vana'diel alliance raids. This 24-player raid has adventurers going up against legendary foes from Final Fantasy XI, including the recently teased appearance of Kam'lanaut. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Given the stellar production values these raids have come to be known for, this entry might just end up being the crown jewel of the patch. Quality-of-Life Enhancements Answer Player Feedback Yoshida started Live Letter 87 off with a rather uncharacteristic blunt apology, taking the blame on what has been perceived as a slide in quality assurance with hotfixes and maintenance windows becoming an all too common occurrence. While he promised better communications going on and spent some time responding to criticism on two of the game's most recent systems, Occult Crescent and Cosmic Exploration. Players will be able to do so with 48-player preformed alliances with Enmity Patch 7.3 coming next week. The return of Sword of the Sands as the next Forked Tower raid will mark the arrival of both Normal and Savage modes in Patch 7.5, a shift in progression inspired by player demand. LIVE LETTER REACTS! First Look at 7.3 | Final Fantasy XIV Side Quests, and New Challenges For non-combat content, crafters are really going to enjoy themselves. A new Allied Society questline with the Yok Huy will offer a fun, alternative path to leveling from 90 to 100! Other new content includes a new Deep Dungeon, the next chapter in the Hildibrand series, and the Phantom Relic Weapon questline all set to release after launch. Follow all the live updates, scores, and highlights from the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
