The Japanese left-hander gave up four first-inning runs as the Nationals fell, 6-4, to the Red Sox to wrap up a three-game sweep.

The Red Sox have won six straight to get back into the Wild Card mix, but will their winning ways continue against tougher competition before and after the All-Star break.

Yoshida strengthens the lineup at a time when Boston has been rolling, scoring 10 or more runs in six of its last 11 games.