The Boston Red Sox are making a clear statement about Masataka Yoshida's role under interim manager Chad Tracy, and it's not the same tune Alex Cora was singing.

For the fifth time in six games since Tracy took over last Saturday, Yoshida is sitting out. Saturday's matchup against the Houston Astros marks another night on the bench for the designated hitter, whose playing time has evaporated under the new leadership. The contrast is stark: Cora started Yoshida in 12 of Boston's first 27 games, finding creative ways to get his bat in the lineup. Tracy has given him just one start in six games.

Friday's hero Jarren Duran is leading off again and serving as the designated hitter, while Roman Anthony—fresh off a three-hit performance—holds down left field. Ceddanne Rafaela patrols center, and Wilyer Abreu takes right against Astros right-hander Spencer Arrighetti. Yoshida, despite a respectable .265 average with three doubles, five RBIs, and a .716 OPS in 59 plate appearances, is the odd man out.

"It's not an easy situation," Tracy acknowledged. "He's a good hitter, but we're in the same spot we were. He can hit, but then you look at the other four guys, too, with the speed and versatility and what they bring to the table. They've got to play, so it's not an easy situation."

The interim manager emphasized that Yoshida's role hasn't changed drastically, just the frequency. "I do think one thing is clear: You're not always gonna use him, but when Masa's sitting there on the bench and available, if there's a lane with a righty where they can't make a move, that's a good thing for us. Not ideal, but we've just got to manage what we have."

Saturday's lineup sees Connor Wong behind the plate instead of Carlos Narváez, while lefty Connelly Early takes the mound. Early is looking to build on an impressive start to the season after allowing just two runs while striking out four over 6 ⅔ innings in his last outing—which happened to be Tracy's managerial debut Sunday in Baltimore.

The Red Sox aim to string together back-to-back wins, but the message about Yoshida's diminishing role is already loud and clear.